QCT  31  1960  ^  j 

BX  7795   .H353  A3  1840 
Hall,  Rufus,  1744-1818. 
A  journal  of  the  life, 
religious  exercises,  and 


I 


I 


1 


A 


JOURNAL 


or  THE 


'  LIFE,  RELIGIOUS  EXERCISES,  AND  TRAVELS 
IN  THE  WORK  OF  THE  MINISTRY, 


NORTHAMPTON,  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 
IN  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK 


BYBERRY: 
PUBUSHED  BY  JOHN  AND  ISAAC  COMLY. 

J.  RICHARDS,  PRINTER,  PIULADELPHIA. 


OK 


RUFUS  HALL, 


LATE  OF 


1840. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/journalofliferelOOhall_0 


CONTENTS. 


His  birth  and  parentage,  page  1.  Early  impressions  in  relation 
to  the  resurrection,  2.  Removal  to  Duchess  county.  New  York,  3. 
Youthful  vanities,  4.  Visit  of  Robert  Willis,  5.  Thoughts  on  min- 
istry, 7.  His  marriage  and  remarks  on  weddings,  7,  8, !).  Scruples 
about  wearing  buckles  and  gloves,  10,  11.  First  appearance  in  the 
ministry,  13.  His  removal  to  Saratoga,  14,  15.  Narrative  and  dif- 
ficulties of  the  revolutionary  war,  16 — 19.  Increase  of  Friends  and 
of  meetings  in  the  northern  parts  of  New  York  state,  20, 21, 23.  Re- 
marks on  forming  new  settlements,  22.  Account  of  Robert  Nesbit, 
24.  His  first  religious  visit  to  New  England,  25.  Remarks  on 
Friends  launching  out  in  speculations,  and  superfluities,  32.  Year- 
ly Meeting's  concern  for  reformation,  33.  Carried  out  by  a  commit- 
tee of  Easton  Quarterly  meeting  witliin  its  limits,  in  a  visit  to  all  the 
families  and  meetings,  33 — 37.  Religious  exercises  and  prospects, 
37,  39.  Visit  to  Pittstown  and  Petersburg,  39.  Journey  to  Genes, 
see,  Niagara  and  Canada,  42.  Account  of  the  falls  of  Niagara,  52. 
Of  a  hurricane  in  Canada,  53.  Return  home,  58.  Remarks  on  the 
passage,  "  Study  to  be  quiet,  and  do  thy  own  business,"  59.  Reflec- 
tions on  the  pursuit  of  wealth,  69.  Remarks  on  a  lifeless  ministry, 
72.  Anne  Hoag,  74.  Epistle  to  Friends  at  Adolphus-town,  Upper 
Canada,  75.  Domestic  trials,  80.  Journey  to  Thirman's  patent,  82. 
On  spiritual  worship,  83.  On  Priestcraft,  85.  Account  of  Daniel 
Cornell,  86—88.  Journey  to  Oxford,  89.  Strictures  on  the  manner 
of  spending  the  4th  of  7th  month, — visit  to  new  settlers,  90.  On  at- 
tending week-day  meetings,  91.  Journey  northward  with  Joseph 
Wilbur,  92.  On  silent  meetings,  94 — 96.  Journey  to  Oxford  and 
Beekman-town,  97.  On  baptism,  98.  Account  of  Mary  Griffin,  99. 
Journey  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting  at  New  York,  101.  Outward 
affairs,  danger  of  a  selfish  spirit,  103.  Caution  to  ministers,  104. — 
Visit  to  Queensbury  and  Thirman-town,  106.  Nathan  Hunt's  visit, 
108.  Do.  of  Reuben  Palmer  and  Sarah  Lundy,  109.  Remarkable 
preservation  from  fire.  111.  On  paying  taxes  for  warlike  purposes, 
112.  Visit  to  Johnstown,  Northampton,  &c.,  115.  Remarks  on  the 
practice  of  collecting  companies  of  men  to  roll  logs,  and  the  use  of 
spirituous  liquors,  116.    Visit  to  Danby  and  Vermont,  119.  Death 


CONTENTS. 


of  Ills  father,  122.  Several  visits  in  company  with  John  Gifford,  124. 
Death  of  his  daughter-in-law  Lois  Hall,  12G.  Prospect  of  another 
visit  to  Upper  Canada,  127.  Lefl  home  in  order  to  perform  his  se- 
cond visit  to  Upper  Canada,  128.  Difficulties  in  his  journey  to  the 
Bay  of  Canty,  134."  Return  home,  136.  Removal  to  Northampton, 
137.  Visit  to  Beekman-town  and  Nine  Partners,  137.  Sale  of  his 
Farm  at  Ea?ton,  and  remarks,  138.  Visits  on  the  subject  of  unau- 
thorised ministry,  140.  Season  of  mental  depresi-ion,  141.  Visit  to 
requesters  at  Western,  and  difficulties  in  the  journey,  142.  Short 
journeys,  144,  5.  Visit  to  Friends  and  others  about  Western,  146. 
Do.  Queciisbury,  148.  Journey  to  Black  river  on  a  committee,  149. 
Account  of  his  attending  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  New  York,  151. — 
Prospect  of  a  visit  to  the  meetings  within  tlie  Southern  Quarters, 
153.  Account  of  the  journey,  154.  Notice  of  Mary  Griffin,  157. — 
Visit  to  parts  of  Vermont,  158.  Journey  to  visit  Friends  in  the  Hol- 
land Purchase,  160.  Reflections  on  the  seasons,  spiritually,  163. — 
Account  of  David  Ilovvland's  Death,  164.  Decease  of  his  sister  Alice 
Ho.xsie,  165.  Account  of  a  remarkable  thunder  storm,  165.  Religi- 
ous meeting  with  his  near  neighbours,  167.  Retrospective  obser- 
vations, 169.  Ladowick  Hoxsie's  memorial  concerning  Rufus  Hall, 
170.  Testimony  of  Galvvay  monthly  meeting  concerning  hira,  172. 
Short  account  of  William  Odell,  175. 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


It  hath  been  on  my  mind,  at  many  times,  to  leave 
some  memorandums  of  the  gracious  dealings  of  the 
Lord  with  my  soul;  and  notwithstanding  my  gifts 
and  talents  are  not  very  large,  and  my  services  in 
life  have  not  been  very  great,  as  I  conceive,  yet  there 
may  something  be  picked  out  of  my  journal  that 
may  be  of  use,  at  least  to  the  rising  generation. 

I  was  born  in  the  town  of  Exeter,  Rhode  Island, 
the  8th  of  the  6th  month,  1744,  of  honest  parents, 
Samuel  and  Dinah  Hall,  who  were  members  of  the 
society  of  Friends.  They  educated  me,  I  suppose, 
in  as  good  a  manner  as  they  were  capable  of — taking 
care  to  give  me  a  little  school  learning,  so  that  I  can 
read  tolerably  well,  and  write  and  cypher  sufficient 
for  common  business;  at  least  I  make  it  do.  They 
took  care  also  to  get  me  to  meetings  often,  and  it  had 
some  good  effect  on  me  when  very  )'oung;  for  I  well 
remember  the  awful  veneration  I  sometimes  felt  over 
my  mind  when  sitting  in  those  meetings;  although 
I  understood  it  not  then,  yet  I  believe  there  was 
something  good  at  work  in  me  at  that  early  period 
of  life. 

When  I  was  in  my  eighth  or  ninth  year,  I  was 
visited  with  a  fit  of  sickness;  at  the  same  time  my 
mother  was  sick  also,  and  a  doctor  that  was  a  colle- 
gian attended  us  nearly  all  one  winter,  and  we  both 
1 


2 


JOURNAL  OF  RtJFUS  HALL. 


recovered.  Our  doctor  wrote  a  small  pamphlet  on 
the  resurrection,  in  verse,  and  got  it  printed;  and 
when  he  came  to  settle  with  my  father  in  the  spring, 
he  made  a  present  of  one  of  his  books  to  my  mother. 
On  looking  into  it,  she  found  he  had  treated  the  sub- 
ject contrary  to  what  she  believed  to  be  true;  for  he 
held  forth  a  resurrection  of  the  body  at  a  certain  day 
or  time.  She  set  no  store  by  the  book;  but  thinking 
it  would  induce  me  to  get  my  reading  again,  which 
I  had  lost  by  sickness,  she  gave  me  the  book.  It 
being  in  verse,  I  read  it  with  abundance  of  pleasure, 
and  thought  that  the  idea  there  set  forth  of  the  resur- 
rection of  the  body,  was  true.  After  I  came  to  riper 
years,  I  found  Friends  did  not  join  with  that  doctrine, 
but  held  the  resurrection  in  another  light:  yet  I  could 
not  understand  how  they  did  hold  it,  so  that  I  began 
to  think  they  were  in  an  error;  for  I  thought  such 
a  learned  man  as  doctor  Walton  must  certainly  be 
right,  and  I  could  have  no  notion  of  the  resurrection, 
only  what  my  little  book  set  forth;  so  that  I  was 
blundered  about  it  many  years.  Neither  did  I  ever 
find  out  what  the  resurrection  was,  until  I  witnessed 
it  in  my  own  heart  to  be  effected  by  the  light  of 
Christ  arising  in  me,  raising  me  from  dead  works 
into  the  life  and  power  of  God. 

I  have  been  particular  in  the  relation  of  this  cir- 
cumstance, to  set  forth  the  strong  bias  that  education 
and  superstition  may  produce  on  the  tender  minds 
of  children,  and  perhaps  on  some  of  riper  age;  and 
also  to  point  out  the  care  parents  ought  to  have  in 
bringing  up  children.  For  it  appears  to  me,  had  it 
not  been  for  this  error  that  I  had  so  strongly  taken 
in,  I  might  have  been  much  further  forward  in  my 
judgment  concerning  principles  than  I  was;  although 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


3 


the  Lord  was  good  to  me,  he  did  not  forsake  me;  but 
by  degrees  showed  me  the  way  I  should  walk. 

Not  long  after  this  sickness,  my  father  sold  his 
farm,  and  moved  into  Dutchess  county,  in  the  state 
of  New  York.  Here,  being  six  or  seven  miles  from 
a  Friends'  meeting,  the  roads  bad  and  a  mountain  in 
the  vvay,  we  could  not  get  to  meeting  so  frequently 
as  usual,  and  the  family  became  more  and  more  cor- 
rupted by  loose  and  unprofitable  company,  especially 
on  the  first  day  of  the  week.  In  the  space  of  four 
years  that  we  lived  there,  I  became  considerably 
corrupted,  but  all  along  thought  that  some  time  I 
would  do  better;  not  considering  that  putting  it  off 
for  some  other  time,  was  making  it  harder  for  me 
to  do  it. 

About  the  beginning  of  the  commotions  in  1756, 
my  father  sold  his  farm,  and  moved  to  a  place  called 
Oswego,  within  three  miles  of  a  Friends'  meeting: 
but  by  this  time  I  began  to  have  a  distaste  for  religi- 
ous meetings,  and  a  great  relish  for  vain  company, 
joking  and  singing  songs.  This  was  all  unknown 
to  my  parents;  for  I  knew  they  would  not  counte- 
nance me  in  such  things.  .  Thus  I  went  on  for  some 
time,  until  I  grew  weary  of  myself,  for  I  still  had 
times  of  seriousness,  and  saw  plainly  if  I  went  on  at 
this  rate,  I  should  soon  be  undone:  for  horror  of  soul 
seized  me,  and  I  was  convinced,  if  I  did  not  repent 
and  amend  my  life  that  everlasting  destructron  would 
be  my  portion.  Thus  I  was  brought  into  a  state  of 
seeking,*  and  at  length  I  formed  a  resolution  that  I 
would  take  good  heed  to  the  secret  motions  in  my 

*Two  pages  are  here  missing  in  the  original  MS. — they  probably 
contained  an  account  of  the  author's  first  recognition  of  a  Divine 
principle. 


4 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


heart.  Now  I  found  myself  constrained  to  forsake 
many  things  I  had  before  allowed  myself  in;  but  the 
thoughts  of  leaving  my  companions  came  so  close  to 
my  life,  or  the  life  I  then  lived  in,  that  I  let  in  the 
reasoner  in  this  sort: — I  am  young,  and  why  should  I 
sacrifice  the  time  of  my  youth  in  living  a  serious  life? 
There  are  many  good  men  that  are  grown  old,  who 
in  their  youth  were  as  wicked  as  I  am,  perhaps  more 
so,  and  it  is  time  enough  for  me  to  repent  when  I 
am  older,  and  it  will  then  be  easier  to  forsake  wick- 
ed company;  for  men  as  they  grow  old,  have  not  so 
strong  an  inclination  for  pleasure  as  young  people 
have;  and  therefore  it  will  not  be  so  hard  to  wean 
themselves  from  it.  Besides,  it  appears  to  me  there 
is  more  liberty  allowed  to  youth  than  to  old  age,  or 
surely  they  would  not  have  been  endued  with  so 
much  stronger  inclinations  to  pleasure.  With  such 
like  reasonings  I  was  drawn  off  time  after  time,  until 
I  became  almost  entirely  captivated  by  satan  again, 
or  at  least  so  far  that  I  allowed  myself  to  do  many 
things  that  did  not  give  me  satisfaction  in  some  of 
my  more  serious  moments:  for  all  this  time  I  had  by 
intervals  some  visitations  of  Divine  good.  Thus  I 
went  on  sinning  and  being  reproved  for  it,  for  some 
time. 

Although  I  attended  Friends'  meetings  pretty  con- 
stantly, it  was  merely  in  conformity  to  my  parents; 
for  I  ever  had  a  regard  to  them,  though  I  did  not 
always  act  consistent  therewith;  yet  in  attending 
meetings  I  mostly  gave  way  to  their  requirings:  and 
I  can  now  say  that  I  never  repented  it;  but  have 
many  times  been  sorry  I  was  not  more  careful  than 
I  was  in  obeying  their  commands  fully;  believing 
thit  if  children  who  have  religious  parents,  would 


JODRNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


5 


conform  to  their  advice,  though  it  may  sometimes 
seem  to  be  hard  or  even  unreasonable,  yet  in  time 
it  would  be  found  to  be  to  their  advancement  in  the 
best  things.  This  I  think  I  have  learned  by  expe- 
rience to  be  a  great  truth. 

It  was  about  this  time,  while  my  mind  was  in 
these  struggles,  that  our  worthy  friend  Robert  Wil- 
lis came  through  the  country  visiting  families,  and, 
was  at  our  house,  and  had  a  sitting  in  the  family. — 
When  I  observed  his  serious  countenance,  I  felt  guilt 
in  my  mind  and  tried  to  sit  in  as  bye  a  place  as  I 
could,  for  I  thought  the  Friend  would  discover  my 
very  inside.  Thus  wicked  people  are  afraid  of  good 
men,  although  they  are  in  truth  their  best  friends. 
Robert  had  a  favoured  time  in  a  very  lengthy  dis- 
course amongst  us,  and  towards  the  latter  end  of  hi* 
testimony,  he  spoke  so  exactly  to  my  condition,  that 
I  concluded  nothing  but  Divine  assistance  could  let 
him  see  it  so  plain  and  clear  as  he  djd.  I  was  broken 
down  into  a  flood  of  tears  and  silent  lamentation  for 
my  undone  condition,  so  that  I  began  to  think  of 
covenanting  with  my  God,  that  if  he  would  forgive 
me,  and  favour  me  with  his  good  will,  instead  of  his 
displeasure,  I  would  be  more  faithful  for  the  time  to 
come.  When  the  sitting  broke  up,  Robert  took  me 
by  the  hand,  and  in  a  tender,  loving  manner,  said,, 
"young  man,  see  that  thou  do  not  endeavour  to  get 
from  under  the  sketch  of  the  net."  The  whole  fami- 
ly seemed  mucli  affected,  and  I  think  it  was  a  pecu- 
liar favour  from  Divine  goodness  to  us  all. 

The  transgressing  nature  in  me,  notwithstanding,, 
was  so  strong  that  the  same  day  in  the  afternoon  I 
renewed  a  resolution  to  go  to  a  town  meeting,  and 
went  to  one  of  my  uncles,  on  the  way  thither:  with, 
1  * 


6 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


several  of  my  cousins  and  acquaintance  I  went  to 
another  cousin's  house  to  spend  the  evening  in  mer- 
riment, but  not  without  some  considerable  condem- 
nation in  my  own  heart.  Some  of  them  proposed 
for  me  to  sing  a  song  for  them.  I  at  first  objected 
for  reasons  I  was  not  willing  to  give.  But  they  all 
insisted  on  it,  as  I  had  many  times  gratified  them  in 
that  way;  so  after  a  great  deal  of  persuading,  I  un- 
dertook it;  but  the  conviction  I  felt  was  so  strong 
that  it  aflected  my  speech  in  such  a  manner  that  I  be- 
lieve I  did  not  deliver  my  words  distinctly.  How- 
ever I  got  through  with  my  song,  and  they  did  not 
ask  me  to  sing  any  more.  Next  day  I  went  to  the 
town  meeting  with  my  comrades,  but  was  so  con- 
victed in  my  mind  that  I  could  take  no  pleasure  in 
their  company — so  I  came  home,  sick  enough  of  my 
journey. 

Finding  I  was  now  no  company  for  rude  people, 
I  began  to  be  weaned  from  them,  yet  did  not  think 
myself  fit  for  sober  company;  so  that  I  sought  to  be 
alone,  and  looked  upon  myself  to  be  one  of  the  most 
miserable  creatures  in  the  world.  I  began  to  think 
I  had  sinned  the  unpardonable  sin  against  the  Holy 
Ghost;  though  I  did  not  know  what  that  sin  was,  yet 
I  knew  I  had  sinned  against  light  and  knowledge, 
and  I  feared  it  never  would  be  forgiven.  I  consider- 
ed I  had  been  favoured,  both  by  the  secret  testimony 
of  light  and  truth  in  my  own  heart,  and  my  case  had 
been  laid  open  to  me  by  the  aforesaid  friend  Robert 
Willis:  all  which  made  my  condition  look  gloomy 
to  me.  Thus  I  struggled  as  it  were  for  life,  for  some 
days,  and  had  only  now  and  then  a  little  glimpse  of 
hope;  till  at  length  the  Lord  in  his  wonderful  mercy 
was  pleased  to  appear  for  my  encouragement,  and  I 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


7 


ventured  again  to  renew  my  covenant  with  him,  and 
he  visited  me  in  mercy  and  good  will  to  the  refresh- 
ing of  my  soul. 

Now  I  had  openings  in  my  mind  concerning  the 
scriptures;  passages  would  occur  to  my  memory,  and 
the  signification  of  them  did  open  in  a  remarkable 
manner;  which  served  to  confirm  me  that  the  Lord 
did  in  some  measure  own  me. 

One  thing  often  came  into  my  mind,  that  seemed 
to  be  a  mystery — it  was  this;  how  a  minister  of  the 
gospel  knew  that  he  was  rightly  called  to  that  weighty 
work;  or  how  did  he  know  when  to  stand  up  and 
what  to  say?  It  appeared  to  me  he  ought  to  be  divine- 
ly inspired,  and  I  could  not  see  how  it  was  brought 
about.  Not  thinking  it  would  ever  be  my  lot  to  be 
concerned  that  way,  I  endeavoured  to  get  rid  of  these 
thoughts  as  matters  that  need  not  concern  me. 

In  the  meantime  I  had  several  exercises  to  go 
through,  and  was  not  without  some  missteps,  some 
of  them  not  very  small  neither;  yet  the  Lord  was 
so  good  lo  me  that  I  rather  gained  ground  of  the 
adversary. 

I  have  now  brought  up  my  account  to  my  twenty- 
fourth  year,  about  which  time  I  was  married  to  Anne 
Hoxsie,  daughter  of  Zebulon  and  Sarah  Hoxsie  of 
Oswego,  now  Beekmantown,  Dutchess  county.  On 
this  occasion  I  feel  a  freedom  to  make  some  remarks. 
I  have  ever  looked  upon  it  a  very  weighty  engage- 
ment to  enter  into  marriage  covenant,  and  that  it 
ought  to  be  done  in  a  solemn  manner.  I  have  thought 
it  hath  at  some  times  been  done  in  our  meetings,  so 
far  as  it  was  done  there,  in  a  satisfactory  manner. — 
But  when  I  have  observed  the  large  collection  of 
Friends  and  sometimes  others,  that  accompany  the 


s 


JOURNAL  OF  RUF0S  HALL. 


couple  to  dine  and  spend  the  afternoon  with  one  an- 
other, I  believe  it  is  not  very  profitable  in  common. 
There  may  not  be  any  thing  done  that  is  heinous^ 
yet  in  very  few  of  these  gatherings,  if  any,  but  there 
is  more  or  less  unprofitable  talking,  sometimesjesting, 
if  nothing  worse,  which  has  a  tendency  to  draw  the 
mind  off  from  that  solemnity  which  ought  to  attend 
it  when  it  hath  been  favoured  with  a  good  meeting. 
And  it  looks  to  me  inconsistent  with  right  order  to 
have  large  gatherings  at  such  times  more  than  at 
other  times.  Would  there  not  be  more  consistency 
in  our  conduct  if  we  were  not  to  invite  so  many  to 
dine  with  us  at  these  times?  It  seems  clear  to  me  it 
would  be  much  better,  and  would  ease  Friends  of  con- 
siderable labour  and  exercise  also. 

I  am  not  insensible  that  I  have  now  touched  a 
point  that  is  tender  with  some — even  good  Friends. 
I  am  sensible  of  the  strength  of  custom  and  force  of 
tradition.  Some  will  say  these  things  have  been  al- 
lowed these  many  generations.  Even  good  Friends 
have  had  and  made  great  marriages,  and  they  were 
thought  well  of,  and  Jesus  Christ  attended  a  marriage 
and  wrought  a  peculiar  miracle  thereat,  which  seems 
to  ratify  it  by  Divine  authority:  and  for  aught  I  know 
thou  art  the  first  that  ever  opposed  it.  I  answer,  that 
my  being  the  first,  makes  nothing  in  favour  of  the 
continuation:  Friends  having  been  in  the  custom  a 
long  time,  of  making  large  weddings,  doth  no  more 
justify  the  practice,  unless  it  is  right  and  useful,  than 
their  keeping  negroes  in  slavery  ought  to  perpetuate 
that  practice,  which  is  now  seen  clearly  to  be  very 
inconsistent.  And  as  to  Jesus  attending  the  marriage, 
it  no  more  tolerates  making  large  preparations  at 
such  times  in  this  gospel  day,  than  his  being  eircum- 


JOUKNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


9 


cised,  baptized,  and  conforming  to  many  other  Jewish 
rites,  would  tolerate  them  in  this  day.  And  I  see 
not  why  his  working  a  miracle  at  that  marriage  gives 
any  more  sanction  to  large  weddings  now-a-days, 
than  it  would  have  done  had  it  been  done  at  any 
other  time.  1  see  nothing  in  it  only  this, — the  time 
was  then  fully  come  that  Christ  Avas  to  be  made 
manifest  to  the  world  by  miracles,  and  this  was  a 
suitable  time;  for  he  was  one  of  the  guests,  and  there 
was  a  large  company,  whereby  he  might  appear  in  a 
conspicuous  manner,  and  it  would  be  a  plentiful  proof 
of  the  fact,  that  the  world  of  mankind  might  be  left 
without  excuse. 

Although  this  has  been  my  settled  opinion  for 
many  years,  even  before  I  was  married;  yet  there 
was  a  large  collection  of  Friends  and  others  that 
came  home  with  us,  and  great  preparations  were 
made,  but  I  believe  my  wife  and  I  were  clear  of  it, 
and  tried  what  we  could  not  to  have  it  so:  the  force 
of  custom  was  so  strong  with  our  parents  that  they 
could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  omit  making  prepa- 
rations, even  at  both  houses:  which  was  a  burden 
to  me  and  my  wife.  It  seemed  rather  a  day  of  sor- 
row than  a  day  of  rejoicing,  by  reason  of  the  multi- 
tude of  people,  and  some  vain  ones  too:  that  on  the 
whole,  there  was  hardly  weight  sufficient  to  bear 
down  the  lightness. 

I  do  not  mention  this  in  any  wise  to  cast  reflec- 
tions on  our  parents;  for  I  believe  they  were  con- 
cerned for  us,  and  wanted  to  do  for  us  so  that  we 
should  be  profited  in  the  best  things  by  our  coming 
together.  But  I  have  often  thought,  if  friends  could 
be  sensible  of  the  exercise  these  gatherings  at  mar- 
riages bring  on  many  Friends,  they  would,  for  the 


10 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


love  they  have  for  their  friends,  entirely  omit  ma- 
king preparations  at  such  times  more  than  at  other 
times. 

Thus  we  were  joined  in  marriage  in  Friends' 
meeting  held  at  Oswego,  the  26th  of  the  1st  month, 
1769,  and  began  together  a  world  full  of  troubles, 
some  share  of  which  we  took  upon  us  even  the  first 
day  of  our  marriage.  For  although  our  nuptial  joys 
were  in  their  prime  at  that  day,  yet  our  minds  were 
brought  into  such  an  exercise  on  account  of  the  in- 
consistent conduct  of  some  of  the  guests,  that  the 
bitter  seemed  to  devour  the  relish  of  the  sweet. 

After  some  months  we  went  to  keeping  house  in 
a  new  log  house  that  I  had  built  for  that  purpose  on 
my  father's  land,  expecting  to  settle  there  for  life-. 
We  were  well  suited  for  a  considerable  time,  enjoy- 
ing one  another's  company  and  fellowship  in  perfect 
peace  and  tranquillity.  Meantime  my  mind  was  ex- 
ercised in  a  religious  line,  in  different  ways;  for  by 
this  time  I  had  become  more  settled,  and  stronger 
in  the  faith;  and  sometimes  a  necessity  was  laid  on 
me  to  bear  testimony  in  my  conduct  to  the  truth  of 
what  I  believed  to  be  right;  an  instance  of  which 
was- this — A  little  before  I  was  married,  I  got  me 
and  my  intended  wife  each  of  us  a  curious  pair  of 
brass  shoe  buckles — no  Friends  then  that  I  knew  of 
but  what  allowed  of  wearing  plain  buckles,  and  these 
were  plain  but  curiously  made;  so  I  put  mine  in  my 
shoes  and  wore  them  a  few  times;;  but  I  became  un^ 
easy  about  them  and  began  to  consider  how  buckles 
were  first  introduced,  and  it  appeared  with  a  good 
degree  of  clearness,  that  it  was  a  spirit  of  pride  that 
first  invented  them — and  although  I  had  no  proof 
of  this,  only  the  testimony  of  what  I  took  to  be 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


11 


truth  in  my  own  heart,  yet  I  fully  believed  it;  and  I 
thought  that  wearing  them  was  in  itself  maintaining 
and  cherishing  that  same  root  of  pride,  and  therefore 
1  could  not  feel  easy  to  wear  them  any  longer:  so 
took  them  out  and  put  in  strings,  which  I  have  made 
use  of  ever  since,  and  have  found  perfect  peace  in  it. 
Another,  something  like  it,  was  thus:  I  thought,  ac- 
cording to  custom,  I  must  have  a  pair  of  gloves  to 
be  married  in,  and  accordingly  bought  a  pair  for  that 
purpose;  but  before  the  time  came,  I  was  made  to 
see  that  it  was  nothing  but  a  superstitious  custom; 
therefore  I  never  put  them  on  my  hands  for  that 
purpose;  but,  it  being  a  very  cold  day,  I  took  a  pair 
of  coarse  yarn  mittens,  which  were  much  more  warm 
and  convenient.  Such  things  may  seem  small  mat- 
ters to  some;  but  as  they  concerned  my  true  peace, 
I  found  myself  under  a  necessity  to  be  obedient,  not 
despising  the  day  of  small  things. 

Now  about  this  time,  or  not  long  after,  the  mys- 
tery concerning  the  ministry,  before  hinted  at,  was 
opened  to  me,  and  it  was  effected  in  a  dream.  One 
night  as  I  Lay  in  bed,  I  thought  I  was  at  our  meet- 
ing, sitting  in  my  usual  seat,  and  felt  a  concern  on  my 
mind  to  speak  in  public.  I  felt  as  I  had  never  done 
before;  and  there  seemed  such  an  undeniable  evi- 
dence in  my  heart  that  if  was  my  duty  to  stand  on 
my  feet,  take  oS  my  hat,  and  declare  certain  words 
to  the  people,  that  I  was  fully  convinced,  if  I  omit- 
ted it,  I  should  be  deeply  condemned  for  it.  So  I 
thought  I  stood  up  and  began  to  declare;  and  as  I 
spoke  1  felt  an  increase  of  concern  and  of  utterance, 
so  that  I  spoke  very  powerfully  for  some  time;  which 
seemed  to  bring  a  great  solemnity  over  the  meeting, 
and  a  public  Friend  that  sat  in  the  high  seat,  took 


12 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


me  by  the  hand  and  led  me  up  into  the  gallery  while 
I  still  spoke  to  them.  Soon  after,  the  energy  of  my 
spirit  grew  so  strong,  that  the  exercise  of  my  mind 
awaked  me.  So  that  now  I  was  fully  satisfied  as  to 
that  matter:  for  I  thought  that  if  ever  I  should  have 
such  a  feeling  and  evidence  in  a  meeting  as  I  felt  in 
my  dream,  it  would  be  my  duty  to  preach;  for  I  be- 
lieved this  to  be  preaching  the  gospel.  From  this 
time  some  secret  thoughts  would  at  times  pass  my 
mind,  that  some  time  I  might  be  called  to  publish  the 
gospel.  This  brought  a  great  dread  over  me,  and  I 
tried  to  persuade  myself  that  I  was  entirely  unequal 
to  the  task.  Thus  I  laboured  along  in  the  deeps,  and 
attended  our  meetings,  sometimes  feeling  very  poor 
and  lifeless,  and  then  again  I  received  some  strength, 
and  sometimes  great  encouragement,  though  it  was 
through  hard  labour.  One  day  I  had  been  to  meet- 
ing, and  after  I  came  home  thinking  of  my  exercises, 
I  wrote  as  follows: 

How  have  I  been  led  to  day  as  it  were  in  the  wil- 
derness until  I  was  an  hungered  and  thirsty,  and  al- 
most spent  with  poverty  of  spirit!  Oh!  how  did  I 
cry  unto  the  Lord  for  strength,  being  sincere  in  de- 
siring help  of  him  that  is  able  to  give  strength:  and 
my  desires  were  granted.  For  as  I  lifted  up  my 
eyes,  behold  the  heavenly  manna  was  given  me  to 
eat,  and  the  waters  of  life  were  poured  out  from  the 
rock  that  Israel  drank  of  in  days  of  old;  which  was 
like  the  balm  of  Gilead,  or  like  the  ointment  that  ran 
down  Aaron's  beard,  even  to  the  hem  of  his  garment. 
Thus  have  I  met  with  the  Lord,  who  was  like  heal- 
ing balsam  to  my  soul. 

After  this,  being  at  a  meeting  at  Oswego,  I  felt  a 
motion  on  my  mind  to  declare  a  sentence  or  two  in 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


13 


a  public  way;  but  the  cross  in  my  nature  was  against 
such  a  work,  and  a  great  struggle  I  had  in  me  be- 
tween doing  and  omitting,  and  I  did  not  give  up  to 
the  requirings  of  Truth.  A  sense  of  my  unfaithful- 
ness stuck  close  to  me  for  several  days,  by  which  a 
greater  willingness  was  wrought  in  my  mind,  and  I 
came  to  a  conclusion  that  if  ever  I  felt  the  like  mo- 
tion again  I  would  endeavour  to  give  up  to  it,  let 
the  consequence  be  what  it  might.  After  this  con- 
clusion I  felt  more  easy. 

It  was  several  weeks  after  this  before  I  was  tried 
in  that  way  again;  when  I  felt  as  great  unwillingness 
to  give  up  as  before;  but  dreading  the  consequence 
of  disobedience,  I  at  last  gave  up  in  great  fear,  and 
with  dread  on  my  mind,  spoke  these  words,  or  to 
this  import,  "  It  is  weightily  on  my  mind  to  say,  it 
is  not  by  might  nor  yet  by  power,  but  it  is  by  my 
spirit,  saith  the  Lord."  I  expected  to  say  something 
more  b)'  way  of  explaining  the  sentence;  but  a  damp 
came  over  me  as  I  stood,  and  I  thought  it  was  bet- 
ter to  sit  down  short  of  what  was  before  me  than  to 
speak  without  perfect  clearness:  so  I  sat  down,  and 
the  meeting  seemed  to  be  in  a  solemn  pause  for  some 
time.  I  felt  great  peace  of  mind  all  that  day.  The 
way  became  more  easy  with  me  afterwards,  in  regard 
to  my  public  appearances,  tho'  still  under  the  cross; 
and  it  is  even  so  to  this  day,  although  I  am  now  near- 
ly fifty-four  years  of  age,  and  have  been  more  or  less 
exercised  in  that  way  by  turns  ever  since. 

Now  outward  trials  began  to  surround  us.  My 
oldest  child,  a  fine  promising  daughter,  about  the  age 
of  two  years  and  eight  months,  was  taken  with  fits, 
which  proved  to  be  the  falling  sickness,  and  ruined 
2 


14 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


her,  so  that  she  was  helpless  almost  all  the  time,  till 
she  was  nearly  nineteen  years  old,  when  she  died. 

Another  circumstance  was  discovered  about  this 
time:  I  found  my  father  was  so  much  in  debt,  that 
he  must  unavoidably  sell  his  land  to  pay  his  debts, 
and  there  was  no  hopes  of  any  thing  being  left  for 
me,  as  I  had  expected;  so  that  I  should  be  under  a 
necessity  of  moving  somewhere,  and  had  no  money 
to  settle  myself  with ;  which  was  very  alarming,  being 
low  in  the  world,  and  neither  of  our  parents  able  to 
help  us.  After  some  time,  I  resolved  to  go  to  Sara- 
toga, a  new  settlement  in  Albany  county.  So  in  the 
fall  of  the  year,  I  think  in  1773,  with  the  advice  of 
some  of  my  friends,  I  went  to  Saratoga,  and  bought 
the  farm  I  now  live  on;  which  is  now  Easton,  instead 
of  Saratoga.  In  doing  this  I  run  myself  above  ninety 
pounds  in  debt.  I  went  home  and  hired  thirty  pounds 
to  make  a  payment — having  a  crop  in  the  ground  at 
Oswego,  sufficient  if  it  did  well  to  answer  the  hired 
money.  The  next  summer  1  went  and  put  in  a  small 
crop  on  my  new  farm.  It  was  all  wilderness  when 
I  bought  it,  and  I  struck  the  first  stroke  with  my  own 
hands  that  was  ever  struck  with  a  view  of  clearing 
it.  I  built  a  little  log  house  on  it,  and  went  home 
and  prepared  for  moving  my  famil}^ 

While  this  matter  was  coming  about,  another  ex- 
ercising circumstance  opened  in  view,  which  was  the 
unhappy  war  between  England  and  America.  So 
that  we  were  likely  to  be  surrounded  with  difficulties, 
having  a  poor  helpless  child  in  our  family,  being  in 
debt,  and  the  expected  distress  of  a  tedious  war;  and 
what  was  more,  there  was  no  meeting  of  Friends 
nearer  than  East  Hoosack,  which  was  forty  miles — 
the  monthly  meeting  one  hundred  and  ten  miles,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


15 


the  Quarterly  meeting,  half  the  time  one  hundred  and 
twenty,  and  the  other  half  one  hundred  and  seventy 
miles:  so  that  we  were  likely  to  have  very  little 
benefit  of  meetings.  But  it  happened  about  the  time 
I  bought  there,  that  several  Friends  from  Nantucket 
and  Dartmouth  came  and  bought  also,  so  that  by  the 
time  I  moved  my  family,  there  were  about  seven 
families  that  were  members  of  society;  and  Provi- 
dence so  ordered  it  that  we  soon  had  a  meeting 
amongst  us,  which  was  held  at  the  house  of  Zebulon 
Hoxsie,  my  brother-in-law. 

I  got  here  with  my  family  the  26th  of  the  1st  mo. 
1775,  And  now  we  had  to  encounter  with  the  many 
difficulties  of  settling  in  a  new  country,  having  an 
increasing  family, — being  in  debt,  and  a  terrible  war 
at  hand;  for  the  first  battle  in  the  continental  war 
was  fought  the  summer  after  we  moved.  So  when 
we  looked  at  outward  circumstances,  things  appeared 
very  gloomy. 

In  the  5th  month,  my  father  and  mother,  sister 
and  brother,  moved  here  also,  into  my  house.  So 
we  went  to  work  for  our  living,  and  attended  our 
little  meeting,  which  was  held  some  time  in  proba- 
tion, but  after  a  while  it  was  settled  by  the  monthly 
meeting.  Then  we  built  a  log  meeting-house,  and 
the  meeting  increased  fast  by  Friends  moving  from 
other  parts.  Our  monthly  and  Quarterly  meetings 
were  at  a  great  distance,  and  it  usually  fell  to  my 
lot  to  attend  them  twice,  and  soinetimes  three  times 
in  a  year;  which  was  no  small  task  under  the  cir- 
cumstances I  was  in;  for  by  this  time  Friends  were 
fined  for  their  non-conformity  to  the  warriors'  re- 
quirings,  and  had  their  goods  and  stock  distrained 
from  them  greatly  to  their  damage. 


16 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFtrS  HALL. 


In  the  year  1777,  the  war  increased  to  a  great  de- 
gree. By  two  remarkable  dreams  which  I  had  this 
summer,  I  thought  I  was  apprized  of  some  great  trials 
that  were  coming.  Not  long  after,  we  had  the  news 
that  the  English  men-of-war  were  endeavouring  to 
make  their  way  from  New  York  up  Hudson  river, 
and  that  a  large  army  was  marching  under  general 
Burgoyne  from  Quebec,  in  order  to  come  down  the 
river  so  as  to  meet  and  join  the  men-of-war,  and  by 
that  means  cut  the  country  in  two,  and  so  overcome 
it;  which  put  the  people  in  a  great  consternation; 
and  it  actually  proved  to  be  so,  so  far  as  it  was  suf- 
fered by  the  over-ruling  power;  for  general  Burgoyne 
made  a  rapid  march  towards  us,  so  that  by  midsum- 
mer he  was  within  thirty  miles  of  us  to  the  north- 
ward, and  the  men-of-war  had  come  up  the  river 
within  about  seventy  or  eighty  miles.  This  was 
about  the  beginning  of  wheat  harvest.  Then  did 
confusion  appear  in  almost  every  face;  and  what 
made  it  more  so,  was,  it  was  reported  and  was  true, 
that  general  Burgoyne  had  many  hundreds  of  the 
Indian  natives;  which  struck  a  very  great  dread  on 
the  people  in  every  place,  and  they  prepared  to  flee 
as  fast  as  possible,  so  that  within  four  or  five  days 
after  the  army  to  the  northward  came  within  thirty 
miles  of  us,  the  people  in  our  quarter  were  mostly 
gone,  some  one  way  and  some  another,  taking  with 
them  all  that  they  could,  which  yet  was  but  little. 
They  went  in  haste,  some  in  wagons,  others  on  horse- 
back, and  others  again  on  sledges  on  the  bare  ground, 
other  some  on  trucks  or  carriages  that  run  on  a  sort 
of  wheels  made  with  the  end  of  a  large  log  sawed 
off  and  holes  made  through  the  middle  and  put  on 
axletrees — and  many  more  fled  away  on  foot  as  fast 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


17 


as  the)^  could,  both  men,  women  and  children — all 
obliged  to  leave  the  greater  part  of  their  substance  as 
to  a  living  behind  them,  at  the  mercy  of  the  enemy. 

Now  Burgoyne  came  down  within  five  or  six  miles 
of  my  house  and  made  a  stand,  and  the  army  lay 
within  a  few  miles  of  us  for  several  months,  so  that 
they,  and  the  continental  army,  before  the  campaign 
was  broken  up,  destroyed  all  that  was  left  by  the 
inhabitants  and  swept  all  clean  before  them.  There 
were  about  ten  or  a  dozen  Friends'  families  and  some 
few  others,  that  stayed  and  stood  the  storm  through, 
and  we  all  suffered  more  or  less  by  being  plundered 
by  both  parties:  for  this  little  remnant  of  us  lived 
on  what  the  warriors  called  hunting  ground;  that  is, 
partly  between  the  two  armies  of  general  Gates  and 
general  Burgoyne.  Although  they  plundered  us, 
they  did  no  great  hurt  to  our  persons,  some  few  in- 
stances  excepted. 

Not  long  after  the  English  army  made  their  stand 
here,  the  men-of-war  that  had  got  as  far  up  the  river 
as  Esopus,  went  back  again,  and  general  Gates  march- 
ed his  army  in  order  to  attack  the  English,  and  came 
to  Stillwater  and  made  a  stand  there;  so  that  the  two 
opposite  armies  were  so  near  one  another  that  some 
of  their  encampments  were  within  two  miles  of 
each  other:  and  they  lay  in  this  sort  two  months  or 
more,  before  they  came  to  a  general  engagement. — ^ 
All  this  time,  we  were  in  a  deplorable  situation;  for 
their  scouting  parties  on  both  sides  were  almost  every 
day  at,  or  in  sight  of  some  of  our  houses,  and  we 
often  heard  them  firing  upon  one  another;  but  the 
skulking  Indians  seemed  to  strike  the  greatest  dread, 
the  more  so  because  we  could  not  converse  with  them: 
2* 


18 


JOURNAL  OF  RTJFUS  HALL. 


but  they  did  not  do  so  much  damage  by  far,  as  to 
plundering,  as  our  own  people  did. 

One  day  the  Indians  came  to  our  meeting  just  as 
it  was  breaking  up;  but  they  offered  no  violence: 
their  warlike  appearance  was  very  shocking,  being 
equipped  with  their  guns,  tomahawks  and  scalping 
knives:  they  had  a  prisoner  and  one  green  scalp  taken 
from  a  person  they  had  killed  but  a  few  hours  be- 
fore: but  they  went  away  without  doing  any  violence. 
To  give  a  relation  of  every  trying  circumstance  that 
we  were  afflicted  with  this  summer,  1777,  would  fill 
a  volume;  suffice  it  to  say,  things  continued  in  this 
sort  till  about  the  middle  of  the  10th  month,  when 
the  two  armies  came  to  a  general  battle,  which  began 
in  the  morning,  the  sun  about  two  or  three  hours 
high,  and  lasted  without  any  cessation  till  night;  and 
in  the  night  there  was  a  continual  roar  of  small  arms, 
like  the  roaring  of  waters  running  down  great  falls 
and  dashing  against  the  rocks,  besides  hundreds  of 
cannon  were  fired  also.  The  wind  being  high  that 
day,  and  to  the  westward,  we  could  hear  it  very  per- 
fectly, and  even  the  smell  of  powder  was  perceivable. 
It  was  an  awful  day  indeed,  to  consider  of  the  great 
slaughter  that  must  be  made,  and  spilling  of  human 
blood,  and  all  done  by  those  that  call  themselves 
christians! — as  opposite  to  a  christian  spirit,  and  to 
the  very  nature  of  the  gospel  dispensation,  as  dark- 
ness is  to  light.  What  a  deplorable  state  is  man- 
kind sunk  into,  that  the  eye  of  the  mind  should  be- 
came so  darkened  that  they  will  endeavour  to  recon- 
cile the  great  command  to  "  love  your  enemies,  do 
good  to  them  that  hate  you  and  despitefuUy  use  you," 
with  Hate  them,  kill  and  destroy  them  all  that  you 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


19 


can!  Is  it  not  even  a  shame  to  the  very  name  of  a 
christian? 

Although  Friends  suffered  much  in  their  estates 
in  this  time  of  trouble,  yet  they  suffered  little  bodi- 
ly punishment,  except  that  some  few  were  cast  into 
prison  upon  supposition  of  being  disaffected  persons; 
but  they  were  not  detained  long. 

Thus  this  storm  of  confusion  ended;  forBurgoyne 
was  beaten,  and  was  made  willing  in  a  few  days  to 
capitulate,  and  lay  down  his  arms,  and  all  dispersed, 
and  we  were  favoured  again  with  a  sort  of  a  calm. 
Although  the  war  did  not  end  till  some  years  after, 
yet  it  did  not  rise  to  any  great  height  afterwards  in 
these  parts. 

I  have  dwelt  longer  on  this  unpleasant  subject  of 
the  troubles  in  the  war,  because  there  hath  been  a 
generation  born  and  grown  to  be  men  and  women 
since,  that  do  not  know  the  afflictions  of  their  pa- 
rents in  those  times;  and  by  reading  these  lines,  they 
may  have  some  idea,  at  least,  of  what  their  forefa- 
thers have  undergone  for  their  sakes,  and  for  the  sake 
of  their  testimony  to  the  Truth, — that  they  may  be 
encouraged  to  maintain  the  like  testimony  in  their 
day  and  time;  as  it  is  not  unlikely  that  some  of 
them  may  have  as  great  trials  as  we  had,  and  may  be 
greater.  But  I  firmly  believe  the  day  is  approaching 
that  the  lamb  and  the  lion  shall  lie  down  together  in 
peace;  and  the  people  shall  beat  their  swords  into 
ploughshares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning  hooks, 
and  they  shall  learn  war  no  more — for  there  will  be 
no  need  of  it — all  men  shall  be  at  peace:  then  will 
universal  love  and  good  will  subsist  amongst  man- 
kind in  general.  But  there  is  a  very  great  work  to 
be  done  for  and  in  man,  before  this  will  come  to  pass. 


20 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


I  believe  it  will  be  brought  about  through  the  faithful 
labours  and  suffering  of  those  that  are  enlightened 
with  the  day-spring  from  on  high,  and  these  dark 
fighters  and  warriors  shall  have  no  part  nor  lot  in 
the  work. 

Now  I  believed  I  had  seen  the  end  of  my  second 
dream;  for  the  fight  between  the  two  armies  was  on 
the  spot  of  ground  that  appeared  in  my  said  dream. 
There  were  many  hundreds,  if  not  thousands,  slain, 
and  many  of  them  were  not  buried,  or  at  least  so 
poorly  that  their  legs  and  arms  were  out  of  ground, 
and  some  quite  naked,  who  lay  and  stank, — so  that 
they  were  food  for  the  crows  and  other  ravenous 
birds  and  beasts. 

I  shall  now  return  fo  other  matters.  After  our 
troubles  were  somewhat  over,  Friends  were  so  en- 
couraged that  they  came  and  settled  in  these  parts  so 
fast,  that  in  a  short  time  we  rose  from  a  little  meet- 
ing to  a  preparative,  and  soon  to  a  monthly  meeting, 
held  circularly  at  East  Hoosack  and  Saratoga,  forty 
miles  distant:  a  meeting  was  also  held  on  probation  at 
Danby,  forty  miles  northward  of  us.  We  had  to  attend 
monthly  meeting  every  two  months,  forty  miles — 
.sometimes  to  attend  meeting  at  Danby,  forty  miles — ■ 
and  once  in  three  months  to  attend  the  Quarterlj' 
meeting  at  Oblong  and  Purchase;  one  of  them  one 
hundred  and  twenty,  and  the  other  one  hundred  and 
eighty  miles  from  Saratoga.  So  that  some  of  us  were 
obliged  to  be  from  home  a  great  deal  of  our  time  in 
attending  meetings, — of  which  service  the  greatest 
part  fell  on  my  brother-in-law,  Zebulon  Hoxsie  and 
myself.  Yet,  through  the  goodness  of  God,  in  all  our 
difficulties  and  trials,  we  never  wanted  bread,  nor 
suffered  much  for  any  necessary  of  life.  But  we  were 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFTJS  HALL. 


21 


obliged  to  be  very  industrious  when  at  home,  work- 
ing early  and  late  for  the  support  of  our  families. 

Friends  increased  fast  in  number  in  these  north- 
ern countries,  and  things  looked  prosperous  in  the 
main;  but  I  was  not  without  some  doubts  at  times, 
for  I  was  sixty  pounds  in  debt  for  my  land,  and  by 
reason  of  the  troublesome  times,  there  was  no  like- 
lihood of  paying  it  soon,  and  the  interest  going  on; 
so  that  about  the  year  1780,  I  fell  under  discourage- 
ment for  fear  that  by  not  paying  my  debt  so  soon  as 
it  was  wanted  I  should  bring  a  scandal  on  Ihe  blessed 
Truth — and  I  came  to  a  conclusion  to  sell  my  land 
if  I  could  find  a  chance  to  better  my  circumstances. 
On  hearing  of  land  about  thirty  miles  to  the  west- 
ward, at  a  place  called  Galway,  that  was  to  be  let  out 
on  long  leases,  my  brother  and  I  with  a  number  of 
others  went  to  see  the  land;  but  it  appeared  to  be  so 
broken,  and  so  heavy  timbered,  that  we  concluded 
not  to  take  it  up;  so  we  came  home:  and  not  long 
after  I  sold  fifty  acres  of  my  land,  and  gained  so 
much  by  the  sale  that  it  set  me  clear  of  debt,  for 
which  my  very  soul  did  rejoice.  I  had  remaining 
about  eighty  acres  of  land,  and  it  looked  likely  I 
might  shortly  need  more,  for  my  family  increased 
fast,  and  we  had  now  six  sons,  good  hardy  boys;  but 
I  felt  willing  to  trust  that  hand  for  future  sustenance 
that  had  sustained  us  to  this  day.  Although  my  sons 
have  been  partly  necessitated  to  learn  trades;  yet 
they  have  been  successful  in  their  calling,  and  ap- 
pear likely  to  do  well  as  to  a  living.  1  think  there 
is  much  more  satisfaction  in  seeing  them  industrious 
and  prudent  in  getting  an  estate  for  themselves  by 
their  labour,  than  there  is  for  parents  to  be  much 
concerned  to  leave  a  great  estate  for  their  children 


22 


JOURNAL  or  RTTPUS  HALL. 


who  do  not  know  the  getting  of  it.  How  many  mis- 
steps have  I  seen  of  this  nature!  Some  entering  in- 
to branches  of  great  trade  in  order  to  help  their  chil- 
dren, which  has  nevertheless  been  a  certain  means 
of  ruining  both  parents  and  children.  The  parents 
have  thereby  involved  themselves  so  as  to  become 
-  insolvent,  and  the  children  have  proved  prodigals, 
greatly  to  the  shame  of  society  and  their  own  irre- 
parable loss.  Others  again,  in  good  circumstances, 
have  sold  their  small  but  convenient  farms,  and  gone 
back  in  the  woods,  and  bought  new  lands,  on  pur- 
pose that  they  might  give  each  of  their  sons  or  chil- 
dren a  good  large  farm;  and  thereby  have  put  them- 
selves in  old  age  under  many  difficulties  of  various 
kinds,  and  their  children  have  lost  ground  in  the 
best  things  by  being  taken  away  remote  from  meet- 
ings. 

Well,  but  some  will  sa)',  surely  it  is  right  that 
some  should  trade,  for  trade  is  really  useful  to  the 
community:  and  it  is  right  also  to  cultivate  the  new 
countries,  as  it  encourages  industry  and  makes  room 
for  the  next  generation.  I  answer,  these  arguments 
are  all  good  in  their  places;  but  then,  let  the  j'oung 
man  that  hath  little  in  the  world — that  hath  good 
learning  and  good  credit,  and  is  capable,  but  yet 
weakly  in  constitution,  trade; — and  the  hardy,  well 
young  man,  go  into  the  woods,  and  get  him  a  farm 
sufficient  to  bring  up  a  family;  and  let  him  go  to 
work  and  pay  for  it.  Such  industrious,  prudent  peo- 
ple seldom  fail  of  succeeding.  This  method  being 
pursued,  there  would  be  no  more  complaints  of  old 
men  becoming  bankrupts  and  insolvent,  or  their 
children  prodigals;  or  old  men  being  benumbed  in 
their  limbs  and  senses  by  hard  labour  on  new  land 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


23 


for  their  children;  but  all  things  of  that  nature  would 
work  in  their  proper  channel.  The  trader  would 
trade,  because  he  had  no  other  way  to  get  his  living; 
and  the  farmer  would  go  into  the  woods  to  live  be- 
cause of  necessity;  and  if  he  got  no  more  land  than 
what  he  could  occupy  in  the  way  of  farming,  it 
would  remove  another  great  burden  that  many  lie 
under;  and  that  is,  the  oppression  of  so  much  specu- 
lation which  raises  the  price  of  new  lands.  It 
would  becbme  easy  for  a  young  man  to  settle  in  the 
new  countries;  yea,  I  plainly  see  while  I  am  penning 
these  observations,  a  long  train  of  advantages  that 
would  arise  by  these  hints  being  observed  in  gener- 
al. But  suffice  it  to  say,  that  it  looks  clear  to  me  that 
mankind  in  general  would  be  much  happier  both  in 
this  life  and  in  that  which  is  to  come. 

After  I  got  released  from  my  discouragements,  I 
attended  our  monthly  and  Quarterly  meetings  with 
diligence,  and  Friends  increased  in  these  northern 
parts  very  fast.  I  was  often  from  home  on  Truth's  ac- 
count— to  visit  meetings  that  were  held  under  com- 
mittees, and  to  visit  friendly  people  that  had  request- 
ed the  care  of  Friends; — for  there  were  many  that 
became  convinced  of  Friends'  principles  and  joined 
in  society  with  them:  and  it  became  necessary  to 
set  up  meetings  in  many  places  where  meetings  had 
not  been  held  before:  «o  that  at  this  day,  1798,  there 
are  in  these  northern  countries,  a  Quarterly  meeting 
at  Easton  (formerly  Saratoga)  and  four  monthly 
meetings;  Ea  t  Hoosack,  Easton,  Saratoga  on  the 
west  side  of  the  river,  and  Danby  in  Vermont.  And 
in  the  compass  of  these  monthly  meetings,  are  eleven 
settled  meetings  for  worship,  besides  divers  that  are 
held  in  a  state  of  probation:  the  whole  containing 


24 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


about  three  hundred  families  and  parts  of  families  of 
members. 

I  have  made  this  computation  with  a  view  to  set 
forth  the  growth  of  Truth  in  this  land;  and  although 
it  hath  been  my  lot  to  spend  abundance  of  my  time 
these  twenty  years  and  more  in  attending  monthly, 
Quarterly  and  Yearly  meetings — and  in  visiting  the 
families  of  almost  the  whole  Quarterly  meeting,  and 
also  in  visiting  requesters,  which  required  journeys 
of  forty,  eighty,  a  hundred,  and  even  two  hundred 
miles;  yet  when  I  take  a  view  of  my  labours,  I  can- 
not conceive  that  I  have  been  of  any  great  service 
toward  the  propagation  of  Truth;  but  it  rather  seems 
to  me,  if  there  hath  been  any  great  service  in  gath- 
ering the  people  into  the  true  sheep  fold,  it  must  be 
imputed  to  other  Friends.  Our  friend  Robert  Nes- 
bit,  deceased,  hath  been  of  eminent  service  in  this 
work;  he  was  a  man  of  sound  judgment,  quick  in  ap- 
prehension, zealous  for  the  cause  of  Truth,  sharp  in 
his  testimony  against  sin  and  wickedness,  yet  very 
tender  to  those  that  were  under  trials  and  afflictions 
of  any  kind:  so  that  I  think  at  some  times  he  might 
be  called  a  son  of  thunder,  and  at  others  a  son  of  con- 
solation. But  the  Lord  hath  taken  him  away  in  the 
prime  of  life,  and  it  seems  to  me  his  departure  is  a 
great  loss  to  Friends  in  these  parts — though  I  have 
no  doubt  it  is  his  eternal  gain. 

On  the  whole,  I  conclude,  that  the  work  of  refor- 
mation and  the  gathering  of  Friends  in  these  parts, 
must  be  imputed  to  the  divine  assistance  of  the  invisi- 
ble Power,  and  not  really  to  any  man. 

In  the  year  1792,  an  exercise  came  upon  me  which 
was  very  trying:  I  had  drawings  on  my  mind  to  vis- 
it Friends  in  New  England — and  the  burden  grew 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


25 


SO  heavy  that  I  could  have  no  peace,  and  then  I 
opened  it  to  some  Friends,  who  encouraged  me  in 
it.  So  I  laid  it  before  our  monthly  meeting  and  ob- 
tained their  certificate  in  the  forepart  of  the  year 
1793 — and  it  was  endorsed  at  our  Quarterly  meet- 
ing at  the  Nine  Partners  in  the  spring  following. 

About  the  12th  of  the  8th  month,  1  set  out  from 
home  in  company  with  my  brother-in-law  Zebulon 
Hoxsie — we  went  pretty  cheerfully  on  to  the  Nine 
Partners  in  two  days,  and  attended  the  Quarterly 
meeting — spent  one  day  at  my  wife's  father's,  then 
went  to  the  Branch  on  the  Oblong,  and  were  at  their 
first-day  meeting.  20th.  We  set  out  for  Hopkinton, 
through  Connecticut,  which  was  a  lonesome  travel 
of  three  days'  journey  among  the  Presbyterians:  but 
at  last  we  arrived  among  Friends  at  Hopkinton,  where 
we  appointed  a  meeting;  which  was  a  great  trial  to 
me.  Having  never  been  much  concerned  in  appoint- 
ing meetings  before,  I  had  many  thoughts  what  might 
be  the  event  of  so  weighty  a  matter.  But  seeing  no 
way  to  avoid  it  without  shrinking  from  what  appear- 
ed to  be  my  duty,  I  ventured  to  proceed;  and  when 
meeting  time  drew  near  the  weight  if  it  grew  heavy, 
and  I  let  in  the  reasoner  in  this  sort:  what  if  thou 
should  be  silent  to-day,  how  wilt  thou  fare,  seeing 
thou  art  a  stranger  here  in  these  parts,  and  it  is  likely 
there  will  be  divers  that  will  attend  who  are  not  mem- 
bers amongst  Friends,  and  they  will  be  disappointed 
and  dissatisfied,  and  call  thee  a  fool  or  a  crazy  man! 
At  best  thy  gift  is  but  small:  perhaps  if  thou  says 
any  thing,  it  will  hardly  give  satisfaction;  for  thou 
knowest  when  travelling  Friends  appoint  meetings, 
the  people  that  attend  generally  expect  a  great  deal 
of  preaching.  Such  like  reasonings  had  like  to  have 
3 


26 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


overcome  my  faith.  But  in  the  height  of  these  cogi- 
tations, I  rose  up,  left  the  house  where  I  was  and  be- 
took myself  to  the  fields,  and  so  into  the  woods  out 
of  the  sight  of  all  men  that  I  knew  of,  and  there  I 
poured  out  my  spirit  before  the  Lord  in  great  hu- 
mility to  this  purpose:  Lord,  thou  knowest  the  in- 
tegrity of  my  heart — thou  knowest  it  was  not  in  my 
own  will  that  I  undertook  this  journey;  but  it  was 
in  obedience  to  what  thou  gavest  me  to  believe  was 
a  duty  required  of  me.  Thou  knowest  I  have  put 
my  trust  in  thee,  believing  thou  wouldst  not  require 
any  thing  without  giving  ability  to  perform  the  same. 
Now  therefore,  as  I  have  hitherto  trusted  in  thee 
alone,  I  beseech  thee  not  to  leave  me  in  this  trial: 
for  it  is  in  thy  povver  to  sanctify  my  labour  to  thy 
honour  and  praise,  whether  it  be  to  speak  in  public, 
little  or  much,  or  in  being  silent.  And  now  I  am 
resolved  in  that  little  faith  thou  hast  given  me,  to 
attend  the  meeting,  and  there  give  all  up  into  thy 
hand;  for  thou  art  best  able  to  order  it  to  thy  hon- 
our, and  that  is  all  I  seek.  I  matter  not  what  men 
shall  say  of  me — only  vouchsafe  to  give  me  a  sense 
of  thy  good  presence,  so  that  I  may  not  sink  under 
the  weight  of  thy  work.  And  the  Lord  was  merci- 
fully pleased  to  give  me  a  little  strength,  so  that  I 
went  to  the  meeting,  which  was  laborious  in  the 
forepart,  but  ended  to  good  satisfaction. 

Next  day  we  had  a  meeting  at  Westerly — an  old 
decayed  meeting  and  meeting-house;  but  it  proved 
a  good  meeting  to  me,  notwithstanding  a  right  re- 
ligious concern  amongst  the  few  Friends  in  that  place 
was,  I  think,  at  a  low  ebb.  We  then  were  at  Rich- 
mond-town on  first-day,  and  next  day  at  the  monthly 
meeting  at  South  Kingston;  both  of  which  were  labo- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


27 


rious  limes,  occasioned  by  a  sense  of  the  want  of  a 
living  concern  for  the  good  of  our  Zion.  Next  we 
had  a  meeting  at  South  Kingston,  lower  house,  where 
the  life  of  religion  seemed  very  low,  which  made 
hard  labour  at  first;  but  afterwards  under  a  sense  of 
some  tender  desires  amongst  the  youth,  I  was  favour- 
ed to  detect  the  one  and  encourage  the  other. 

28th.  At  Greenwich  preparative  meeting — which 
appeared  to  be  in  a  low  situation  as  to  the  life  of  re- 
ligion, and  a  great  want  of  living  concern  among 
them.  Next  day,  at  Cranston — also  a  low  time;  yet 
there  are  a  few  at  that  place  that  are  well  concerned. 
Then  had  a  meeting  at  Foster,  to  some  satisfaction. 
Here  I  was  straitened  in  breaking  up  the  meeting; 
an  aged,  plain-looking  man  sat  next  to  me,  and  I 
could  not  feel  a  perfect  freedom  to  give  him  my 
hand;  yet  I  did  it.  I  was  afterwards  told  he  was 
not  a  member  among  Friends,  but  sat  in  the  foremost 
seat  and  frequently  had  the  care  of  breaking  up  the 
meeting.  So  then  I  did  not  wonder  at  my  feelings 
about  him,  and  could  have  wished  I  had  kept  closer 
to  them.  However,  we  advised  Friends  to  be  more 
faithful  in  maintaining  order  in  their  meetings — to 
hold  them  more  in  the  power  of  Truth,  and  not  suf- 
fer one  that  was  not  in  full  unity  to  have  the  order- 
ing or  breaking  them  up.  On  the  31st,  we  had  a 
good  meeting  at  Scituate.  The  1st  of  9th  month, 
and  first  of  the  week,  we  were  at  Providence — this 
meeting  in  the  forenoon  I  thought  was  very  lifeless, 
but  it  was  some  better  in  the  afternoon.  Next  day, 
we  were  at  Cranston  monthly  meeting — then  rode 
to  uncle  John  Green's  at  the  Forge,  and  stayed  all 
night  with  our  aged  uncle  and  aunt,  who  seemed  very 
glad  of  our  company. 


28 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


We  then  rode  to  Joseph  Green's  on  Canonicut 
island:  the  family  being  relations  were  very  glad  to 
see  us:  and  we  attended  their  meeting  to  good  satis- 
faction. Lodged  at  Joseph  Green's,  whose  kindness 
to  us  I  believe  will  not  be  easily  forgotten.  Their 
son  Joseph  and  daughter  Anne  seemed  as  though  they 
could  not  do  too  much.  And  here  I  may  say,  we 
found  a  whole  family  of  honest  hearted,  plain  Friends; 
which  I  think  was  the  first  of  the  like  kind  that  we 
have  met  with  since  we  came  into  New  England:  all 
which  made  our  visit  on  this  island  very  comfortable. 

Crossing  the  ferry  to  Newport  on  Rhode  Island, 
we  were  at  an  adjournment  of  their  monthly  meet- 
ing, and  went  to  see  our  very  aged  uncle,  Ladowick 
Hoxsie,  who  appeared  to  be  in  low  circumstances 
of  life,  health  and  strength,  and  almost  a  child  again 
through  old  age — so  we  left  some  money  in  the  care 
of  our  friend  Thomas  Robinson,  to  keep  him  from 
suffering  as  far  as  that  would  go,  and  took  our  leave, 
never  expecting  to  see  him  again.  We  then  went 
to  Portsmouth,  and  next  day  had  a  meeting  at  Tiver- 
ton. An  old  straggling  traveller  that  appeared  to  be 
hardly  in  his  right  mind,  and  very  likely  had  been 
a  teacher  in  some  society  and  broke,  came  to  the 
meeting  and  made  much  disturbance.  After  sleeping 
and  snoring,  he  awaked  and  began  to  speak  by  way 
of  preaching,  and  went  on  at  a  high  rate.  I  expect- 
ed some  Friend  would  silence  him;  but  none  did; 
till,  at  length,  fearing  he  would  ruin  the  solemnity 
of  the  meeting,  I  requested  him  to  make  as  short  of 
it  as  he  could.  He  instantly  took  his  seat,  and  soon 
appeared  to  be  asleep  again.  So  I  had  an  opportu- 
nity to  relieve  my  mind.  But  the  old  man  waked 
again  and  began  to  speak  in  commendation  of  what 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


29 


had  been  delivered,  more  than  1  was  willing  to  hear; 
so  I  broke  up  the  meeting,  and  the  people  went  out 
of  the  house  while  he  was  speaking,  and  left  him  till 
the  last.  I  thought  I  had  cause  to  be  thankful  for 
that  day's  work — having  been  favoured  several  ways. 

We  spent  a  day  at  Little  Compton,  visiting  some 
families;  but  it  seemed  to  be  dull  work:  so  we  went 
in  company  with  our  friend  Jeremiah  Austin,  to 
Westport,  and  had  a  favoured  meeting  there — rested 
one  day  at  Lovet  Tripp's,  writing  letters  home — 
then  had  a  meeting  at  Centre,  and  were  at  Aponegan- 
sett  preparative  meeting.  Friends  here  seemed  to 
be  in  an  easy  way  of  doing  business,  so  that  we  had 
some  service  amongst  them — and  our  labour  appear- 
ed to  be  kindl)^  received,  and  Friends  generally  glad 
we  were  there.  Then  went  to  Newtown  preparative 
meeting;  dull  also,  and  very  little  care  taken  of  dis- 
orderly walkers;  so  that  we  had  more  work  to  do  at 
this  place,  and  were  favoured  to  get  through  to  some 
satisfaction,  at  least  to  ourselves. 

We  then  went  to  Acoakset  and  attended  their 
monthly  meeting,  where  the  life  was  very  low;  but 
through  Divine  favour  it  ended  to  satisfaction.  Then 
we  were  at  the  first-day  meeting  at  Little  Compton, 
and  the  day  following,  at  Aponegansett  monthly 
meeting — here  the  savour  of  Truth  arose  into  good 
dominion  in  the  public  service  that  I  and  my  friend 
Stephen  Buffington  had  therein;  and  it  was  lively  in 
transacting  the  discipline;  so  that  I  think  I  may  say, 
it  was  one  of  the  best  meetings  we  had  been  at  since 
we  came  to  New  England.  Having  been  at  divers 
that  were  more  or  less  cloudy,  dull  seasons  to  me, 
and  now  having  clear  sunshine,  it  seemed  very  com- 
fortable, and  my  heart  felt  thankful  for  this  great 
3  * 


30 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


favour.  After  meeting  we  visited  Thomas  Hicks 
and  wife,  which  I  thought  was  time  well  spent;  they 
being  like  a  father  and  mother  in  Israel,  and  their 
conversation  truly  strengthening  to  me. 

Next  day  we  were  at  Bedford  monthly  meeting. 
Lodged  at  our  kind  friend,  William  Rotch's — attend- 
ed a  small  meeting  at  the  head  of  the  river  Accush- 
net,  and  another  at  Long  Plain.  Here  are  some  hope- 
ful, well-concerned  Friends,  and  I  trust  there  will 
be  a  revival  among  them — although  they  have  had 
a  sifting  time,  occasioned  by  a  public  Friend's  being 
disowned,  who  drew  off  divers  others — but  they  even 
now  are  grown  weary  of  their  living. 

21st.  Had  a  laborious  time  at  Falmouth;  but  thro' 
Divine  goodness  the  meeting  ended  to  satisfaction. 
Next  day  and  first  of  the  week,  we  were  at  Sand- 
wich— the  meeting  appeared  dull  and  almost  lifeless, 
which  made  it  hard  work  for  me,  a  stranger  that  came 
in  much  at  unawares  to  them;  yet  I  found  a  neces- 
sity to  sound  my  little  trumpet  in  a  close  manner 
amongst  them,  which  relieved  my  mind,  if  it  did  no 
good  to  them.  We  then  rode  to  Yarmouth,  and  had 
a  meeting  there — it  seemed  to  me  to  be  a  little  poor 
meeting,  and  few  there  that  appeared  to  be  livingly 
concerned  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion. 

25th.  At  the  preparative  meeting  at  Pembroke  — 
which  was  small,  and  low  as  to  the  life  of  religion. 
After  which  we  rode  to  our  friend  Thomas  Rogers's 
at  Marshfield,  and  stayed  two  days  in  that  neighbour- 
hood, visiting  some  families.  Before  I  came  here,  I 
expected  to  go  from  this  place  to  Boston,  and  to  a 
long  train  of  meetings  down  below  or  eastward  of 
Boston;  but  finding  a  stop  in  my  mind  as  to  pursuing 
my  journey  that  way,  it  became  trying  to  me  to  fiind 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


31 


which  way  to  go,  or  what  to  do.  But  endeavouring 
to  keep  the  eye  of  my  mind  steadily  on  the  cloud,  at 
length  it  arose  off  the  tabernacle  and  seemed  to  go 
toward  Dartmouth  Quarterly  meeting,  about  fifty 
miles  back  where  we  had  come  from.  This  was  con- 
trary to  my  expectation;  but  keeping  my  eye  to  the 
opening,  it  appeared  clearer  and  clearer,  until  I  be- 
came fully  convinced  of  it — and  there  being  several 
days  to  the  time  of  the  Quarterly  meeting,  we  visit- 
ed some  families  in  Hanover,  and  were  at  their  first- 
day  meeting  at  Pembroke,  which  I  thought  was  a 
better  meeting  than  the  other  I  was  at  there — also 
was  at  an  adjournment  of  their  monthly  meeting: 
then  went  to  Long  Plain,  and  attended  their  select 
preparative  and  monthly  meeting  of  business,  which 
was  comfortable  to  me. 

After  which  we  went  to  Aponegansett,  or  Dart- 
mouth, and  attended  the  select  and  Quarterly  meet- 
ings, to  satisfaction;  then  rode  to  Dighton  and  were 
at  their  first-day  meeting,  where  my  mind  was  much 
pressed  down  under  a  sense  of  the  great  inconsisten- 
cy of  appearance  in  the  members  of  the  society; 
which  occasioned  some  close  labour  amongst  them 
in  a  public  manner;  for  I  thought  there  was  not  much 
danger  of  exposing  those  that  had  exposed  themselves 
so  much  already.  After  meeting,  we  rode  to  Swan- 
zey,  and  were  at  their  monthly  meeting;  and  next 
day  went  to  Providence  and  dined  at  our  friend  Moses 
Brown's — then  went  to  the  Quarterly  meeting  at 
Smithfield,and  attended  the  meeting  of  ministers  and 
elders,  and  also  the  meeting  for  sufferings:  all  which 
were  greatly  to  my  satisfaction,  and  I  felt  thankful 
for  the  many  favours  received. 

Having  observed  the  openings  of  Truth  from  the 


32 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


first  setting  out  on  this  journey,  as  well  as  observed 
the  shuttings  thereof  from  time  to  time,  I  was  now 
brought  to  a  stand  again,  having  Boston  still  in  view; 
but  I  could  not  see  my  way  clear  to  go  that  way,  and 
being  within  three  days'  journey  of  home,  my  mind 
was  drawn  that  way  also.  But  feeling  in  a  resigned 
state,  all  further  service  in  the  line  of  travelling  from 
meeting  to  meeting  at  this  time  was  taken  off  me: 
I  felt  greatly  released,  and  the  way  homeward  look- 
ed like  clear  sunshine.  So  we  set  out,  and  got  home 
the  15th  of  the  10th  month,  having  been  gone  a  little 
more  than  two  months,  and  attended  about  forty-four 
meetings. 

After  my  return,  I  had  great  peace  and  satisfaction 
for  a  long  time.  Sometimes  I  felt  as  though  I  had 
been  new  made  over — and  as  if  I  had  come  out  of 
one  world  of  trouble  and  confusion,  into  another  of 
joy  and  pleasure;  and  I  enjoyed  a  good  degree  of 
heavenly  peace  and  tranquillity. 

Now  peace  and  plenty  smiled  on  our  land,  and 
Friends  increased  fast  in  number  as  well  as  in  wealth; 
an  inclination  to  become  rich  in  the  things  of  the 
world  prevailed;  also  entering  into  great  trade, — 
running  in  debt, — laying  out  great  business  in  the 
farming  way,  and  erecting  spacious  houses  and  other 
buildings,  now  became  very  common;  and  striving 
to  excel  one  another  in  grandeur,  took  up  the  time 
of  people  too  much  in  general,  and  Friends  were  not 
clear, — which  caused  abundance  of  labour  for  honest 
Friends,  by  reason  of  too  many  neglecting  the  attend- 
ing of  meetings,  and  being  stupid  and  drowsy  when 
there,  and  not  paying  their  just  debts,  and  divers 
other  things  that  might  be  mentioned,  occasioned  a 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


33 


general  visit  to  Friends.  At  the  Yearly  Meeting 
held  in  New  York  in  the  5th  month,  1795,  divers 
deficiencies  came  up  in  the  answers  to  the  Queries, 
and  a  concern  arose  that  a  reformation  might  take 
place  in  the  society:  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
attend  the  several  Quarterly  meetings,  with  advice 
that  committees  be  appointed  to  visit  all  the  families 
of  Friends  belonging  to  the  Yearly  Meeting.  Pur- 
suant to  this  advice,  the  Quarterly  meeting  at  Easton 
appointed  a  committee  of  fourteen  Friends,  men  and 
women,  to  perform  the  visit.  It  appeared  to  be  a 
very  laborious  task,  by  reason  of  the  remoteness  of 
many  of  the  members,  and  what  was  more  discour- 
aging, the  great  inability  and  weakness  of  mind  in 
those  that  were  appointed  to  that  arduous  task. — 
But  believing,  if  it  was  rightly  done,  it  might  be  of 
singular  service, — there  not  having  been  such  a  vis- 
it since  the  settlement  of  Friends  in  this  country, 
now  more  than  twenty  years, — the  committee  took 
courage  to  attempt  the  work,  and  met  at  Saratoga, 
on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson;  and  after  sitting  to- 
gether to  feel  our  strength  renewed,  four  of  us  were 
given  up  to  make  trial,  viz.  Nathan  Eddy  and  my- 
self, with  Elizabeth  Baker  and  Mary  Dean.  But 
Nathan  Eddy  being  under  a  necessity  to  go  home  for 
a  few  days,  Elijah  French  concluded  to  go  with  us 
until  Nathan  joined  us.  So  we  set  out  in  great  hu- 
mility of  mind,  and  visited  some  families  of  that  meet- 
ing,— then  went  to  Greenfield  and  Galvvay.  Here 
Nathan  Eddy  met  us,  and  we  visited  a  number  of 
families,  and  then  returned  to  the  meeting  of  Sarato- 
ga, and  so  home;  having  been  out  about  two  weeks, 
and  visited  forty-nine  families,  we  were  much  re- 


34 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


joiced  in  believing  the  work  was  owned  by  the 
great  Master. 

The  19lh  of  the  11th  mo.  we  again  proceeded  on 
the  service  at  Saratoga,  and  visited  divers  families  for 
the  space  of  two  days.  At  length  we  came  to  where 
a  family  lived,  or  rather  stayed,  in  a  little  smoky  hut, 
and  not  a  chair  to  sit  on;  so  we  sat  down,  some  on 
the  bed,  or  such  place  as  they  slept  on,  some  on 
tubs,  and  some  on  pumpkins,  and  the  small  children 
on  the  floor.  After  we  had  sat  awhile,  Nathan  Eddy 
spoke  to  this  import.  That  he  had  heard  of  a  heaven 
and  a  hell,  here  on  the  earth;  but  that  this  did  not 
seem  much  like  heaven,  living  in  this  house.  Where- 
upon I  was  much  troubled,  for  fear  he  was  too  light 
in  his  mind;  and  as  I  was  grieving  about  it,  it  came 
livingly  into  my  mind  that  there  was  a  better  heaven 
and  a  worse  hell  in  this  world,  than  living  in  a  good 
or  a  bad  house;  and  that  was  a  sedate,  peaceful  mind, 
or  a  discontented  and  quarrelsome  one;  and  was  led 
to  show  the  advantage  of  the  one  and  the  disadvan- 
tage of  the  other:  so  that  before  the  sitting  ended,  I 
got  over  my  jealousy  for  my  friend  Nathan,  believ- 
ing there  was  a  hand  of  Providence  in  it;  and  it 
seemed  to  learn  me  not  to  judge  before  the  time. — 
We  were  afterwards  told,  the  man  of  the  house  was 
a  drunken,  quarrelsome  person,  and  was  sometimes 
abusive  to  his  wife. 

We  went  on  from  house  to  house,  sometimes  tried 
one  way  and  sometimes  another,  and  yet  were  pre- 
served to  our  great  admiration;  and  then  set  out  to 
visit  some  families  that  lived  scattering  and  remote 
from  the  meeting  at  Saratoga,  to  which  they  belong- 
ed, at  a  place  called  Newtown,  and  one  in  Balltown. 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


35 


We  were  out  at  this  time  eight  days,  and  visited 
twenty-six  families. 

22d  of  2d  mo.  1796,  I  set  out  with  Mary  Dean 
and  Elizabeth  Baker  to  visit  Friends  about  Lake 
Chamjjlain,  it  being  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  to  the  furthest  settlements.  We  rode  about 
forty  miles  to  our  friend  Aaron  Hill's,  who  went 
with  us  the  next  day;  and  in  two  days  we  got  to 
Vergennes,  to  the  house  of  our  friend  Thomas  Rob- 
inson; and  then  went  on  to  Peru,  where  we  visited 
several  families.  Then  set  out  for  the  Grand  Isle, 
or  South  Hero,  and  visited  all  the  families  on  that 
island,  which  were  about  nine  in  number;  and  we  had 
to  believe  there  was  a  precious  seed  there,  which 
will  be  preserved  as  Friends  continue  in  faithful  obe- 
dience to  known  duty.  So  we  left  the  island,  and 
went  on  the  ice  up  the  river  Lamoile,  about  seven 
miles,  to  Milton,  and  then  set  off  for  Ferrisburg — 
visited  some  families  on  the  vvay,  and  had  some  ser- 
vice in  the  monthly  meeting  at  Ferrisburg.  Here 
we  visited  several  families,  and  then  went  to  Monk- 
ton;  and  having  gone  through  this  neighbourhood, 
we  set  out  for  Bristol.  There  we  visited  two  fami- 
lies, being  all  there  were  in  the  place:  then  attended 
meeting  at  Ferrisburg,  and  visited  some  families, 
which  was  the  last  of  our  labours  in  that  country. 

Now  having  gone  through  all  the  families  about 
Lake  Champlain,  being  seventy  and  more,  we  were 
at  liberty  to  return  home.  So  we  set  out  the  22nd 
of  3d  mo.  and  in  three  days  and  a  half  we  reached 
Samuel  Dean's  in  Queensbury,  and  next  day  came 
home,  and  felt  truly  thankful,  having  been  out  about 
five  weeks. 

29th  of  8th  month.  I  set  out  with  Nathan  Eddy  to 


36 


JOURNAL  OF  EUFUS  HALL. 


visit  the  Friends  of  Queensbury,  about  thirty  miles 
from  my  house.  There  Ruth  Hull,  wife  of  Daniel, 
and  Elizabeth  Dean,  late  Baker,  joined  our  com- 
pany in  the  service.  In  some  families  we  had  hard 
labour;  a  worldly  spirit  having  too  much  place  in 
the  minds  of  several  Friends,  who  being  so  much 
taken  up  with  the  cares  of  this  life,  could  hardly 
find  time  to  attend  religious  meetings;  and  by  giving 
way  to  the  enemy  from  time  to  time,  some  had  be- 
come so  blinded  that  they  saw  but  little  necessity  of 
attending  meetings.  Whence  other  disorders  had 
crept  into  families,  and  amongst  the  youth;  such  as 
going  from  plainness,  which  often  leads  to  keeping 
company,  and  marrying  out  of  the  unity  of  Friends. 

Our  women  Friends  not  being  well  able  to  travel 
with  us  so  far,  we  two  men  went  and  visited  some 
families  at  a  new  place  called  Thurman's  patent,  and 
then  came  back  to  Queensbury  and  visited  several 
other  families.  We  then  came  home,  having  been 
gone  about  twelve  days,  and  visited  thirty-one  fami- 
lies. 

5th  of  the  10th  month,  I  set  out  with  my  wife's 
sister,  Alice  Hoxsie,  to  attend  the  monthly  meeting 
at  Danby,  and  to  visit  the  families  of  Danby  meeting. 
We  had  in  this  visit  the  company  of  Stephen  Rogers 
and  Lydia  Kelly.  Then  went  to  Sharon  and  Straf- 
ford, and  visited  the  few  Friends  of  those  places. — 
We  also  took  a  few  families  on  our  way  homewards; 
and  were  gone  about  three  weeks,  having  rode  two 
hundred  miles,  besides  going  from  house  to  house. 

The  5th  of  the  1st  mo.,  1797,  my  friend  Nathan 
Eddy  and  I  set  out  to  visit  Friends  at  Pittstown, 
and  Reuben  Peckham  concluded  to  go  with  us.  We 
were  gone  from  home  about  a  week,  and  visited 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


37 


twenty  and  more  families.  Some  little  time  after, 
my  wife  and  sister  Alice,  with  her  husband,  Zebulon 
Hoxsie,  and  myself,  visited  the  families  of  Friends 
in  Cambridge,  which  took  two  days,  wherein  I  had 
good  satisfaction  in  the  main;  this  was  in  the  latter 
part  of  winter,  1797.  In  a  few  months  after  this, 
Nathan  Eddy  and  I  visited  the  families  of  Friends 
at  White  Creek,  which  took  about  eight  days.  The 
Lord  preserved  us  through  all,  and  we  returned  home 
with  great  peace  of  mind. 

After  I  got  through  this  arduous  task  of  visiting 
families,  another  great  exercise  came  upon  me:  I  had 
some  sense  of  it  at  times  divers  years  before;  but 
now  more  powerfully  I  felt  a  stream  of  love  to  run 
towards  Friends,  and  some  of  the  Baptists,  Metho- 
dists and  Indians,  in  the  Western  Territories,  Gen- 
esee, Niagara  and  Oswegatchie  countries.  So  in  due 
time  I  laid  my  concern  before  our  monthly  meeting, 
and  obtained  their  full  concurrence  in  a  certificate  for 
that  purpose  in  the  4th  month,  179S,  and  also  the 
concurrence  of  our  Quarterly  meeting  in  the  5th  mo. 
following. 

But  before  proceeding  on  this  visit,  I  had  some 
close  exercises  at  and  about  home.  In  our  meeting 
at  Easton,  at  one  time  I  had  hard  digging  to  get  down 
to  the  spring  of  the  waters  of  life;  and  my  mind  was 
borne  down  under  a  painful  sense  of  earthly-mind- 
edness.  But  as  I  was  favoured  to  continue  wrestling 
till  the  break  of  day,  I  witnessed  life  to  spring  up  to 
my  refreshment  and  renewed  encouragement.  In 
this  state,  it  was  opened  to  my  mind,  that  "  blessed 
are  they  that  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness; 
for  they  shall  be  filled."  Not  that  they  may  be;  for 
the  promise  is  sure,  and  never  fails  when  the  mind 
4 


38 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


is  sincere,  wrestling  and  waiting  in  faith,  nothing 
doubting.  But  it  seemed  to  me  that  too  many  in  the 
meeting  were  in  a  low,  languid  state  of  mind,  and 
ready  to  say,  "  Give  us  of  your  oil;  for  our  lamps  are 
gone  out." 

In  the  4th  month,  I  attended  the  funeral  of  Eliza^ 
beth  Cook,  daughter  of  Leonard  Cook;  and  she  hav- 
ing been  a  steady,  exemplary  young  woman,  there 
were  many  of  the  neighbours  and  friends  attended. 
Our  friend,  Stephen  Buffington,  of  Aponegansett  in 
New  England,  who  had  lately  recovered  from  a  sick- 
ness which  had  confined  him  at  Danby  all  the  winter 
past,  now  coming  to  Easton,  was  at  this  funeral,  and 
was  remarkably  favoured  in  testimonj^  among  us.  It 
was  indeed  a  very  solemn  opportunity,  at  the  close 
of  which  my  soul  was  bowed  in  supplication  to  Al- 
mighty God,  that  he  would  carry  on  his  own  work, 
as  he  is  all  wisdom,  power  and  strength,  and  seeing 
that  without  his  Divine  assistance  we  poor  instru- 
ments can  do  nothing. 

In  the  5th  month,  as  I  was  returning  from  our 
meeting,  in  which  our  friend  Abiel  Giflbrd  had  an 
encouraging  testimony,  I  fell  in  company  with  a  wo- 
man Friend  whose  husband  being  rather  of  internper 
rate  habits  had  sold  his  farm,  and  was  about  to  move 
his  family  into  the  new  country  of  Chenango,  about 
one  hundred  and  forty  miles  from  this  place,  and  a 
great  way  from  any  Friends'  meeting.  This  was  a 
very  great  trial  to  his  wife,  who  appeared  to  be  a 
sincere-hearted  Friend,  and  I  felt  much  sympathy 
with  her  in  her  exercised,  afflicted  condition;  so  that 
after  parting  with  her,  my  mind  became  greatly  ten- 
dered in  fervent  prayer  to  God  for  her  preservation 
in  the  Truth.    Under  this  exercise,  I  thought  I  saw 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


39 


in  the  light,  that  the  Lord  would  gather  a  people  to 
his  praise  somewhere  not  far  from  where  that  woman 
Friend  was  going  to  settle;  and  I  felt  a  freedom  to 
make  this  record  of  my  thoughts  and' the  openings 
on  my  mind  concerning  the  spreading  of  Truth  in 
the  western  parts  of  the  state  of  New  York,  whether 
I  ever  live  to  see  it  or  not. 

9th  of  6th  mo.  Having  had  it  on  my  mind  to  visit 
the  meeting  of  Friends  held  at  Pittstown,  I  set  out 
in  company  with  my  friends,  Zebulon  Hoxsie  and 
John  Gilford;  and  next  day  attended  their  meeting. 
It  was  a  low  time  with  me  in  the  fore  part;  but  at 
length  a  little  life  arose  and  gradually  increased,  so 
that  I  was  favoured  to  clear  myself  fully,  and  to  my 
own  satisfaction  and  peace.  After  this,  feeling  some 
draft  of  love  to  visit  some  friendly  people  at  a  place 
called  Petersburg,  about  nine  or  ten  miles  from  Pitts- 
town,  I  gave  up  in  simplicity  of  heart  to  go,  and  was 
accompanied  by  John  Gilford  and  our  friend  Simeon 
Brovvnell.  When  we  got  within  two  or  three  miles 
of  the  place,  it  opened  in  my  mind  that  it  would  be 
right  to  have  a  public  meeting  among  those  friendly 
people,  which  brought  a  great  weight  over  me;  but 
I  said  nothing  about  it  till  we  got  to  the  house  of  one 
of  them  ;  where  we  were  very  kindly  received.  Then 
I  told  them  what  had  been  on  my  mind  for  some  miles; 
and  the  man  and  his  wife  appeared  much  rejoiced, 
saying,  they  believed  there  would  be  entire  freedom 
among  their  neighbours  to  attend  such  a  meeting; 
and  that  they  would  do  all  they  could  to  spread  no- 
tice. So  we  lodged  there;  and  the  next  day  had  a 
highly  favoured  meeting  among  them:  in  which  doc- 
trine flowed  with  great  strength  and  clearness,  much 
to  my  satisfaction  and  peace.    Blessed  be  the  Lord 


40 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


forever:  lie  is  leading  me  and  instructing  me  accord- 
ing to  his  good  pleasure,  to  be  faithful  to  small  mo- 
tions of  life  as  well  as  greater  discoveries  of  his  Truth. 

6th  mo.  12th.  In  contemplating  the  many  favours 
I  have  received  of  latter  years,  I  felt  truly  thankful 
to  the  Father  of  mercies  for  his  gracious  dealings 
with  me.  He  hath  led  me  safely  through  the  vari- 
ous dispensations  allotted  me,  and  conducted  me  in 
paths  which  I  knew  not;  that  I  might  behold  his 
power  in  my  preservation,  and  acknowledge  that  it 
was  all  of  his  mercy  and  goodness;  to  whom  alone 
the  praise  is  due. 

I  also  remember  a  season  some  years  past,  when 
the  Lord  seemed  to  hide  his  face  from  me,  and  as  it 
were  to  close  his  ears  from  hearing  my  cries.  It  was 
a  time  of  great  poverty  of  spirit,  for  about  the  space 
of  three  years;  in  which  I  was  closely  tried  with  a 
state  of  darkness,  stupidity  and  drowsiness;  insomuch 
that  sometimes  when  I  came  out  of  meetings,  I  almost 
came  to  the  conclusion  to  decline  going  any  more. 
It  seemed  to  me  as  if  the  Lord  had  left  me  to  the 
buffetings  of  satan,  and  that  he  would  never  more 
favour  me  with  the  smiles  of  his  countenance.  This 
led  me  to  examine  and  consider  what  I  had  done  to 
offend  him;  but  I  could  not  discover  any  thing  in 
particular.  So  great  was  my  trouble  at  times,  that 
when  alone,  I  have  cried  out,  Lord  what  have  I  done 
to  offend  thee  in  such  a  manner  that  thou  shouldst 
thus  forsake  me?  If  I  perish,  Oh!  let  me  perish  at 
thy  feet. 

But  in  all  this  time  his  preserving  power  was  un- 
derneath and  kept  me  from  sinking,  though  I  per- 
ceived it  not.  There  was  a  something  always  so 
close  to  me,  that  when  meeting  day  came,  I  felt  wil- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


41 


ling  to  go  again,  though  perhaps  again  as  closely 
tried  as  before.  Yet  there  were  a  few  intervals  du- 
ring this  trying  dispensation,  when  the  Divine  pres- 
ence unexpectedly  broke  in  upon  me  and  was  power- 
fully felt;  so  that  I  concluded  I  was  not  altogether 
forsaken  of  the  Lord.  But  although  this  season  of 
fasting  in  spirit  seemed  long,  yet  have  I  been  pre- 
served through  all  to  this  day.  And  now  the  Lord 
is  feeding  me  daily  with  spiritual  food,  by  which  my 
soul  is  animated  and  encouraged  to  diligence  in  his 
service,  and  therein  feel  a  sweet  satisfaction  as  the 
reward  of  my  labours.  0  ye  poor,  tried  souls,  give 
not  out.  There  is  j^et  balm  in  Gilead,  which  will 
heal  all  your  wounds  and  sores,  as  ye  stand  fast  in 
the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ. 

14th.  Attended  our  monthly  meeting;  but  it  was 
to  me  a  day  of  much  close  exercise  in  relation  to 
setting  out  on  my  religious  visit  westward.  The 
way  not  being  open  for  the  Friend  who  had  propos- 
ed to  go  with  me  as  a  companion,  occasioned  a  great 
trial  to  my  mind.  I  seemed  to  myself  like  a  vessel 
lying  in  the  dock  loaded  and  ready  to  go  to  sea,  but 
waiting  for  a  convoy,  and  therefore  not  tit  for  any 
service  at  home.  However,  as  I  endeavoured  to  sub- 
mit to  this  disappointment,  and  patiently  wait  the 
Lord's  time,  which  I  have  found  to  be  the  best  time, 
the  next  morning  my  friend  Matthew  Rogers  came 
and  offered  his  service  to  go  with  me  as  a  companion 
in  this  journey.  After  some  conversation^  [  felt  quite 
easy  to  accept  his  kind  offer,  he  being  well  concerned 
and  exemplary  in  his  deportment.  Being  thus  en- 
couraged; and  after  taking  a  solid  opportunity  with, 
my  dear  wife  and  family,  I  parted  with  them  in  great 
tenderness,  and  we  set  out  on  (he  16th  of  the  6th  mo. 
4* 


42 


JOURNAL  OK  RUFUS  HALL. 


1798;  went  on  to  our  friend  William  Barker's  at 
Ballstown,  and  next  day,  being  first  of  the  week,  we 
attended  Friends'  meeting  there;  in  the  latter  part 
of  which,  some  life  arose  and  I  was  favoured  in  a 
good  degree  to  relieve  my  mind. 

ISth.  In  company  with  William  Odell,  a  minister, 
of  Ballstown,  we  attended  a  meeting  appointed  at  a 
place  called  Charlton,  among  a  few  tender-hearted, 
seeking  people;  some  of  whom  were  Baptists,  and 
others  had  been  brought  up  among  the  Presbyterians. 
It  was  a  very  satisfactory  opportunity,  in  which  gos- 
pel doctrines  flowed  freely  towards  them,  to  my  ad- 
miration and  peace  of  mind:  William  Odell  also  had 
good  service  there.  That  evening  we  came  to  the 
house  of  our  friend  Job  Briggs  at  Duanesburg;  and 
next  day,  had  a  trying  meeting  at  that  place;  in  which 
the  spring  of  life  seemed  so  much  shut  up  that  I  had 
to  wade  as  it  were  in  the  deeps  in  answering  the 
requirings  of  the  heavenly  Master.  20th.  Had  a 
meeting  about  six  miles  north  of  Duanesburg,  which 
proved  to  be  a  very  satisfactory  one.  A  free  flow 
of  gospel  love  attended,  in  which  I  laboured  to  the 
great  ease  and  encouragement  of  my  mind;  having 
had  a  deep  trial  the  day  before  about  appointing  a 
meeting  at  that  place:  but  it  ended  so  well  that  I  was 
strengthened  to  put  by  all  reasonings,  and  went  on 
to  Charlestowi>,  parting  with  William  Odell  who  had 
been  truly  helpful  to  me  thus  far,  having  a  good  and 
convincing  gift  in  the  ministry  in  which  he  laboured 
faithfully  while  with  us.  The  loss  of  this  dear  friend's 
company  seemed  rather  trying  to  me;  but  being  fully 
sensible  that  I  must  not  put  my  trust  in  man,  I  said 
in  my  heart,  If  the  Lord  be  on  our  side,  whom  shall 
we  fear?    Thus,  feeling  his  owning  hand  to  be  with 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


43 


US,  we  had  a  meeting  in  a  school-house  next  day,  to 
good  satisfaction. 

22nd.  We  had  a  meeting  in  another  school-house 
about  five  miles  northward,  but  the  service  was  some- 
what marred  by  the  late  and  irregular  gathering  of 
the  people,  owing  to  a  want  of  care  in  spreading  no- 
tice. It  is  a  great  pity  that  people  who  undertake 
to  give  notice  of  such  meetings  should  be  so  careless 
as  not  to  spread  proper  and  general  information.  On 
first-day,  the  24th,  we  had  a  meeting  at  Sharon,  in 
Thomas  Almey's  barn:  the  people  being  mostly  Pres- 
byterians and  Baptists,  I  had  to  labour  in  the  minis- 
try to  convince  them  of  the  usefulness  of  silently 
attending  to  their  own  gifts  within,  of  which  they 
seemed  to  be  much  ignorant.  After  this  meeting, 
which  ended  to  satisfaction,  we  went  to  visit  a  woman 
Friend  who  lived  seven  miles  from  any  other  mem- 
bers of  our  society.  We  found  her  in  a  lonesome 
condition,  but  glad  to  see  us;  and  after  a  solid  oppor- 
tunity with  her  and  her  husband,  we  returned  to 
Thomas  Almey's.  While  here  sitting  in  the  house, 
my  mind  was  reduced  to  a  state  of  great  poverty; 
and  seeing  a  book  lying  near  me,  I  opened  it,  and 
finding  it  to  be  the  Journal  of  John  Woolman,  I  read 
four  or  five  pages:  in  which  I  found  such  encourage- 
ment that  I  closed  the  book  with  joy  in  my  heart, 
and  took  fresh  courage  in  God.  In  the  afternoon  we 
set  out  for  Otego,  and  lodged  at  the  house  of  a  friend- 
ly man  in  Cherry  Valley,  who  with  his  wife  enter- 
tained us  kindly;  yet  I  felt  somewhat  uneasy,  lest 
they  should  think  we  rather  crowded  on  them  for 
entertainment,  in  order  to  save  our  money;  being 
there  among  strangers.  I  told  them  this  was  not  the 
case;  but  that  I  had  a  concern  on  my  mind  to  visit 


44 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


the  scattered  members  of  our  society,  as  well  as  some 
other  well  inclined  people  in  those  wilderness  lands; 
and  hearing  of  him,  we  had  thus  come  to  see  him; 
which  he  seemed  to  take  kind:  and  next  morning  as 
we  sat  at  breakfast,  a  solemn  covering  was  brought 
over  us,  and  it  proved  a  good  season  to  all  present; 
so  that  I  left  them  well  satisfied  with  the  visit. 

We  went  on  to  Cooper's-town,  where  we  stopped 
to  let  our  horses  rest  a  little;  during  which  we  went 
to  see  a  widow  woman  with  whom  we  had  some  se- 
rious discourse  concerning  the  spiritual  warfare.  Di- 
vine light  and  life  attending,  although  we  were  out- 
wardly strangers,  we  felt  the  unity  of  the  spirit  flow 
freely,  and  the  woman  was  greatly  tendered,  though 
quite  fashionable  in  her  dress  and  appearance.  Thus 
the  Lord  opened  the  way  for  service  unseen  by  us, 
and  carried  us  through  it  by  his  Divine  wisdom; 
leading  his  dependant  children  safely  on  in  a  way 
they  knew  not:  blessed  be  his  name  forever. 

26th.  We  had  a  meeting,  at  Otego;  then  went  to 
my  brother.  Green  Hall's  at  Oxford;  and  after  rest- 
ing a  few  days,  we  had  a  large  meeting  in  his  bai'n 
on  first-day,  considering  it  was  a  newly  settled  place. 
In  this  meeting  I  felt  much  engaged  to  lay  before 
the  people  the  necessity  and  usefulness  of  attending 
to  the  inward  Teacher,  as  being  far  preferable  to  any 
outward  teaching  whatever,  and  more  certain  than 
that  of  ministers,  books,  or  even  the  scriptures  them- 
selves,— the  inward  Teacher  being  the  only  criterion 
to  prove  them  all  by.  Next  day,  had  another  meet- 
ing about  six  miles  westward,  near  Chenango  river; 
it  was  small,  yet  I  thought  was  owned  by  the  good 
Master.  We  then  returned  to  my  brothers,  and  were 
detained  several  days  on  account  of  my  companion's*. 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


45 


horse  not  being  fit  to  travel:  so  I  went  to  work,  being 
loth  to  spend  any  of  my  time  unprofitably. 

7th  mo.  6th.  We  set  forward  in  company  with  my 
brother  Green  and  his  wife  about  seven  miles  up  the 
Unadilla  river,  where  we  had  a  meeting  at  Matthew 
Corkin's,  a  Methodist,  in  the  town  of  Norwich.  It 
was  exercising  in  the  fore  part,  but  the  Lord  was 
pleased  to  manifest  his  owning  presence  toward  the 
conclusion;  for  which  I  was  thankful.  My  sister 
Lydia  Hall  returning  home,  the  rest  of  us  went  on 
and  lodged  at  the  house  of  a  friendly  man  named 
Young  Smith.  Next  morning  we  had  a  tendering 
opportunity  in  the  family,  which  seemed  like  a  seal 
to  m}^  mind  that  the  Lord  was  with  us.  So  we  set 
out  with  renewed  courage,  and  travelled  through  very 
bad  roads  about  twenty-four  miles  further  up  the  river, 
to  a  place  called  Brookfield.  In  this  neighbourhood 
I  had  a  prospect  of  finding  several  members  of  our 
society,  and  was  not  disappointed.  We  found  a  num- 
ber of  Friends  settled  here,  and  on  first-day  had  a 
considerably  large  meeting  with  them  and  others,  in 
Stephen  Hoxsie's  barn.  This  opportunity  was  emi- 
nently owned  of  the  heavenly  Master,  and  my  mind 
was  livingly  opened  in  setting  forth  the  necessity 
and  advantage  of  attending  diligently  to  the  gift  of 
Divine  grace,  as  the  principal  thing  to  depend  on  to 
show  us  the  right  way  for  us  to  walk  in,  and  to  unfold 
all  Divine  mysteries  to  our  minds,  needful  for  us  to 
know,  as  appertaining  to  our  duty  towards  God;  and 
that  without  this  criterion  we  could  not  understand 
even  the  scriptures  in  a  right  sense:  neither  can  any 
preach  the  gospel,  nor  yet  be  rightly  benefited  by 
hearing  the  gospel  preached,  without  it.  These  things 
were  opened  with  great  clearness  and  satisfaction  to 


46 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


my  own  mind,  and  I  believe  Truth  reigned  over  all 
that  day.  The  people  were  very  orderly,  still  and 
attentive,  especially  while  I  was  declaring  the  truth 
among  them;  it  may  indeed  be  called  a  blessed  meet- 
ing that  will  not  soon  be  forgotten. 

At  the  conclusion  I  desired  those  that  did  own  and 
hold  themselves  to  be  members  of  our  society,  to 
keep  their. seats,  and  favour  me  with  an  opportunity 
of  conference  with  them.  I  was  not  a  little  surprised 
when  I  saw  the  number  that  remained;  and  on  con- 
ferring with  them,  found  there  were  more  than  thirty 
in  the  neighbourhood  who  had  a  right  among  Friends.. 
Divers  of  them  had  lived  there  some  years,  and  were 
not  under  the  notice  of  any  monthly  meeting  that 
they  knew  of.  When  they  removed  into  that  settle- 
ment, it  was  so  remote  from  Friends  that  they  knew 
not  what  monthly  meeting  would  own  them.  Their 
situation  excited  my  sympathy;  and  we  gave  them 
advice,  and  wrote  a  few  lines  to  Hudson  monthly 
meeting,  it  being  the  nearest,  setting  forth  their  case 
as  needing  brotherly  assistance  and  care.  So  we 
parted  from  them  in  tender  love,  and  travelled  thir- 
ty-two miles  by  way  of  Paris  Hill,  Clinton,,  and 
Stockbridge,  to  Oneida,  an  Indian  town;  where  we 
found  five  Friends  (three  men  and  two  women)  from 
Pennsylvania;  the  men  endeavouring  to  instruct  the 
Indians  in  husbandry  and  smithing,  and  one  of  the 
women  Friends  was  teaching  some  of  the  female  In- 
dian children  to  read,  sew,  knit,  &c.  We  tarried  all 
night  with  them,  S3M'npathizing  with  and  encouraging 
them  in  their  arduous  task.  Next  day  we  took  our 
leave  of  them  and  travelled  on  toward  the  Genesee 
country,  passing  through  another  Indian  town;  and 
in  the  evening  arrived  at  an  inn  near  Onondaga,  where 


jrOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


47 


We  lodged.  Next  morning,  the  inn-keepei*  having 
told  us  there  were  some  of  our  sort  of  people  lived 
not  far  off,  we  went  back  about  a  mile  and  a  half  to 
see  them.  The  woman  was  a  member,  and  I  thought 
a  valuable  one,  the  husband  not,  though  a  tender, 
sincere  man:  both  of  them  were  very  kind  to  us; 
and  I  concluded  to  have  a  meeting  there  next  day; 
which  was  accordingly  held,  being  chiefly  composed 
of  women,  it  being  a  very  busy  time  among  the  men, 
though  a  number  were  present.  The  Lord's  pres- 
ence was  felt,  and  as  I  was  declaring  the  Truth  to 
them,  I  was  led  to  speak  of  the  convictions  that 
strike  the  mind  when  any  one  puts  forth  a  hand  to 
steal,  also  to  set  forth  the  heinous  nature  of  such  an 
act.  As  I  dwelt  on  this  subject,  I  noticed  that  sev- 
eral appeared  to  be  so  struck  as  to  hang  down  their 
heads.  This  gave  me  some  uneasiness  lest  they  should 
suppose  I  was  judging  them  as  being  addicted  to 
thievery:  so  to  obviate  that  thought,  I  told  them  that 
the  same  light  which  showed  them  it  was  wrong  to 
steal,  would,  if  faithfully  followed  and  obeyed,  lead 
them  into  all  truth;  which  was  the  subject  then  be- 
fore me.  After  meeting,  I  was  told  that  a  man  was 
there,  who  had  been  convicted  of  stealing,  and  con* 
fessed  it  a  few  days  before;  and  that  was  the  reason 
of  what  I  observed,  as  the  man  sat  very  near  me. — 
So  it  appeared  that  my  testimony  was  like  a  two- 
edged  sword,  cutting  both  ways;  blessed  be  the  Lord 
for  all  his  wonderful  favours  to  a  poor  instrument  in 
his  hand:  and  let  all  the  glory  be  ascribed  to  him 
forever  and  ever. 

13th.  We  left  our  friends  Phineas  Tyler  and 
wife,  in  a  tender  state  of  mind,  and  travelled  toward 
the  Genesee  country.    Next  day  we  came  to  my 


48 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


cousin  John  Green's,  and  visited  several  families  in 
the  neighbourhood;  and  the  day  following  went  on 
our  journey,  till  we  came  to  the  remarkable  sulphur 
springs,  where  we  stopped  and  viewed  these  won- 
derful works  of  nature.  Here  we  observed  several 
large  springs  near  together,  which  send  forth  their 
waters  out  of  the  bowels  of  the  earth;  and  as  they 
run  down  the  hill  and  rocks,  collecting  in  a  stream 
below,  much  of  the  water  evaporates,  leaving  the 
sulphur  in  such  quantities  that  cart  loads  might  be 
gathered.  A  great  portion  of  this  appears  to  be  genu- 
ine brimstone,  which  may  be  used  for  such  pur- 
poses as  it  is  needed.  After  we  had  satisfied  our 
curiosity  in  seeing  this  wonderful  work  of  Divine 
Providence,  we  went  on  to  Nathan  Comstock's  in 
the  town  of  Farmington,  in  which  Friends  mostly 
reside,  and  lodged  there. 

16th.  On  our  way  to  see  our  friend  Abraham 
Lapham,  passing  by  a  house  I  felt  a  motion  to  go 
in,  which  I  mentioned  to  my  companion.  We  went 
in  and  found  two  women  and  some  small  children, 
with  whom  we  sat  down  in  silence,  till  my  mind 
was  Divinely  favoured  to  speak  of  such  things  as 
arose;  and  which  they  seemed  to  receive  with  seri- 
ousness; so  we  parted  with  them  in  tenderness,  and 
went  to  Palmyra  to  lodge  at  Abraham  Lapham's. 
Next  day  we  visited  Caleb  Macomber  and  wife, — 
then  Jeremiah  Smith  and  family;  and  on  the  19th 
attended  their  meeting,  which  was  on  the  whole  a 
favoured  opportunity.  Next  day  we  were  at  an  ap- 
pointed meeting  about  seven  miles  from  Farming- 
ton,  among  the  Methodists  and  Baptists.  In  this 
meeting  I  was  engaged  in  gospel  labour  in  such  a 
remarkable  flow  of  love  towards  the  people,  that  I 


JOUKNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


49 


was  under  some  difficulty  to  keep  steadily  on  the 
right  ground  in  my  communication.  We  afterwards 
visited  several  families  of  Friends,  and  again  attend- 
ed the  meeting  at  Nathan  Comstock's,  which  was  a 
very  trying  season.  1  laboured  among  them  in  a  close, 
searching  manner,  and  felt  peace  in  the  discharge  of 
my  duty.  We  then  visited  some  other  families,  and 
had  an  opportunity  with  a  largo  number  of  young 
and  some  elderly  people,  wherein  the  life  flowed 
freely  in  counsel  lowards  them.  In  the  night  fol- 
lowing I  awoke,  and  a  concern  revived  which  I  had 
felt  towards  a  young  woman  whom  I  saw  some  days 
before  at  a  Friend's  house.  I  had  expected  to  leave 
the  settlement  in  the  morning;  which  brought  on  a 
close  exercise  lest  I  should  go  away  leaving  some- 
thing undone  that  I  ought  to  have  done.  So  when 
morning  came,  way  opened  for  me  to  write  her  a  few 
lines,  which  gave  me  ease,  so  that  I  felt  perfectly 
clear  to  leave  the  Genesee  settlement;  and  we  pur- 
sued our  journey  towards  Buflalo  creek,  about  thirty- 
eight  miles.  Lodged  at  an  ordinary,  and  set  out  next 
morning  to  go  through  the  woods  about  thirty-two 
miles,  to  a  town  called  Tonnewanto.  After  we  had 
got  about  one-third  of  the  way  through  the  wilder- 
ness, it  began  to  thunder  and  rain,  which  continued 
about  four  hours;  during  which  we  travelled  through 
divers  swamps  and  low  grounds  till  we  were  exceed- 
ing wet  and  muddy:  yet  we  were  favoured  to  reach 
the  Indian  town  in  safety,  by  about  two  hours  sun; 
where  many  of  the  Indians  came  out  of  their  wig- 
wams to  look  at  us,  and  seemed  good  natured.  They 
kindly  showed  us  the  way  to  a  sort  of  an  inn  kept 
by  a  Frenchman,  where  we  lodged:  but  the  company 
of  travellers  there  were  very  profane,  and  worse  than 
5 


50 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


the  Indians,  who  were  very  civil,  and  came  in  to  see 
us,  but  I  could  not  converse  with  them,  except  by 
signs,  and  these  I  was  not  certain  they  understood. 

25th.  Set  out  and  travelled  near  thirty  miles  thro' 
the  uninhabited  wilderness  (although  we  met  with 
several  Indians  who  appeared  glad  to  see  us)  till  we 
came  to  a  ferry  at  the  outlet  of  lake  Erie.  In  cross- 
ing this  ferry,  we  asked  the  boatman  if  he  could  tell 
us  where  any  of  our  friends  lived  on  the  west  side 
of  the  lake.  He  directed  us  to  Abraham  Webster's, 
about  five  miles,  where  we  arrived  in  good  season, 
and  felt  truly  thankful  that  we  were  again  among 
our  friends  after  three  days'  journey  through  the 
dreary  wilderness.  After  resting  one  day,  we  pro- 
ceeded to  visit  a  number  of  families  in  the  settle- 
ment; and  had  a  remarkably  solid  and  satisfactory 
opportunity  in  the  family  of  a  friendly  man,  named 
Adam  Burwell.  The  Divine  presence  did  so  evi- 
dently favour  us  all  that  tears  of  joy,  as  well  as  coun- 
sel flowed  freely  to  our  great  encouragement  and 
strengtii.  Thanks  be  to  the  Lord  forever,  for  his 
wondei  ful  love  and  mercy.  So  we  parted  in  much 
tenderness  and  with  tears,  and  came  to  the  house  of  a 
Friend,  where  we  lodged:  but  it  was  a  trying  night 
to  me.  Before  we  came  here,  we  had  given  out  word 
for  a  public  meeting  at  a  Friend's  house;  but  now  we 
were  informed  of  much  uneasiness  that  appeared  be- 
tween paid  Friend  and  his  neighbours,  and  great  dis- 
unity among  Friends  in  this  settlement.  This  grieved 
me  so  much  that  I  was  almost  ready  to  repent  that 
I  had  appointed  the  meeting,  lest  I  might  be  the 
means  of  strengthening  them  in  something  that  was 
wrong;  so  great  was  my  exercise  that  I  slept  but  lit- 
tle that  night.    Next  morning,  the  2Sth,  we  visited 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


51 


another  Friend  and  his  family  at  Point  Ebeno,  where 
we  heard  something  of  the  same  complaint.  Thence 
to  another  Friend's  family,  where  the  complaint  of 
the  other  party  was  detailed  to  iis  in  like  manner. — 
This  still  increased  my  exercise,  and  my  load  of  grief, 
though  I  was  favoured  with  renewed  strength  to  bear 
up  under  it. 

29th.  We  attended  said  meeting  which  was  large, 
many  of  the  neighbours  coming  in;  and  I  had  a  high- 
ly favoured  time  in  gospel  testimony  among  them. 
After  the  public  meeting,  I  had  a  select  opportunity 
with  Friends,  in  which  I  had  some  close,  trying 
work;  returning  on  their  own  heads  what  they  had 
loaded  me  with;  and  telling  them  that  if  they  did  not 
endeavour  to  become  reconciled  to  one  another,  they 
would  dwindle  and  come  to  nothing — I  also  desired 
of  them  in  future  never  to  divulge  such  things  to 
strangers,  and  especially  to  travelling  public  Friends. 
I  also  pressed  upon  them  to  endeavour  to  settle  the 
matter,  if  possible,  even  now  before  they  parted: 
which  they  did,  and  brought  about  an  amicable  set- 
tlement, and  a  good  degree  of  unity  was  restored. — 
So  I  had  cause  to  be  thankful  for  the  favour,  and 
lodged  that  night  at  Asa  Schooley's  where  the  meet- 
ing was  held. 

Next  day  we  visited  the  families  of  John  Cutler, 
John  Herrit  and  Joel  Morris.  The  day  following, 
in  company  with  our  young  friend  Abraham  Laing, 
we  set  out  to  visit  some  Friends  and  friendly  people 
at  a  place  called  Short  Hills.  On  the  vvay,  we  stop- 
ped to  see  the  wonderful  works  of  the  hand  of  Provi- 
dence, at  the  falls  of  Niagara.  When  we  came  within 
about  three  miles  of  the  great  falls,  on  looking  toward 
the  outlet  of  the  lake,  we  discovered  a  large  body  of 


52 


JOURNAL  OF  RTJFUS  HALL. 


mist  or  fog  arising  therefrom,  whicii  ascended  to  a 
great  iieight  in  tiie  air.  On  drawing  nearer,  we  ob- 
served the  stream  or  current  of  the  water  to  run  more 
rapidly,  and  with  great  swiftness,  till  it  came  within 
half  a  mile  of  the  grand  pitch  or  ledge  of  rocks;  and 
then  the  waters  were  so  hurried  down  what  seemed 
as  a  rocky  hill,  that  they  became  rolled  up  as  in  large 
heaps,  with  such  a  roar  and  foam  that  it  was  like  a 
lather  of  soap-suds,  and  so  run  to  the  top  of  the  clift 
of  rocks  where  it  fell  off,  about  one  hundred  and  sixty 
feet  perpendicular,  all  in  one  solid  column  of  water, 
in  the  form  of  a  semicircle,  as  near  as  I  could  judge 
of  the  space  of  about  half  a  mile  in  length.  It  then 
met  an  island  in  the  lake,  perhaps  twenty  rods  in 
width,  beyond  which  another  column  of  water  gushes 
over  the  ledge  in  like  manner  as  the  other,  only  it 
is  straight  and  forms  no  curve.  We  went  down  to 
the  very  rock  over  which  the  water  falls,  and  stood 
and  looked  off,  or  down  into  the  pit  or  cavern  where 
tlje  water  fell.  But  Oh!  the  awfulness  and  amaze- 
ment which  I  felt!  I  have  no  characters  or  language 
that  can  describe  the  sight  to  any  person  who  has  not 
seen  it;  neither  is  it  possible,  I  believej  for  any  one 
to  conceive  one  half  of  the  great  wonder,  or  the 
great  body  of  smoke  or  mist  it  casts  up, — so  thick 
that  no  eye  can  penetrate  it;  and  there  appears  to  be 
many  acres  of  the  river  entirely  of  a  white  foam.  As 
I  was  looking  on  this  marvellous  work  of  the  Al- 
mighty hand,  I  thought  what  man  in  the  world  could 
behold  this  place,  and  contemplate  it  but  a  moment, 
and  yet  deny  the  existence  of  a  Supreme  Being? 
surely  not  one  on  earth. 

8th  mo.  1st.  We  went  to  Pelham,  or  Short  Hills, 
and  appointed  a  meeting  to  be  held  next  day;  which 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


53 


we  accordingly  attended;  but  it  was  to  me  a  low  time 
as  to  the  feeling  of  that  life  which  crowns  such  op- 
portunities. I  however  endeavoured  to  ease  my  mind 
of  what  I  felt  as  a  duty,  and  got  some  satisfaction. 

Here  I  tliink  it  right  to  give  some  account  of  a 
remarkable  deliverance  of  the  hand  of  Providence, 
which  happened,  as  I  was  informed,  about  six  years 
before.  A  terrible  hurricane  raged  in  this  place  to 
such  a  degree  that  it  blew  down  and  destroyed  all 
the  timber  for  thirty  miles  in  length  and  one  mile 
in  width:  insomuch  that  I  could  not  discover  one 
tree  of  any  bigness  that  stood  whole.  It  was  also  so 
violent  for  another  mile  in  width  that  it  destroyed 
about  one  half  the  timber;  and  at  that  time  and  in 
this  place,  there  lived  ten  or  a  dozen  families,  whose 
houses  were  all  shattered,  and  some  of  them  blown 
down  and  entirely  ruined;  yet  not  one  person  was 
slain  among  them,  although  several  were  hurt.  One 
man  was  riding  the  road  in  the  most  dangerous  spot, 
where  the  timber  was  very  thick,  and  every  tree  was 
torn  down  around  him;  yet  they  fell  so  across  logs 
and  large  roots  of  trees,  that  they  were  kept  up  from 
the  ground  in  such  a  manner  that  neither  the  man^ 
nor  his  horse  was  killed,  though  they  were  both  hurt. 
But  he  was  obliged  to  remain  in  his  deplorable  situa- 
tion all  night  (it  being  in  the  afternoon  when  the 
storm  happened)  and  till  some  time  in  the  next  day; 
when  some  of  his  neighbours  came  and  helped  him 
o«t.  The  people  were  so  affrighted  that  several  of 
them  told  me  they  were  not  sensible  of  hearing  any 
trees  fall:  and  after  the  awful  storm  was  over  and  the 
wind  had  ceased,  they  endeavoured  to  go  to  see  how 
it  had  fared  with  one  another; — each  supposing  that 
their  neighbours  and  friends  were  slain  in  the  tem- 
5  * 


54  JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 

pest.  But  when  they  met,  it  was  with  weeping  for 
joy  that  their  lives  were  preserved.  The  remains  of 
the  destruction  were  to  be  seen  when  I  was  there, 
and  I  thought  it  so  remarkable  a  deliverance  that  it 
ought  to  be  recorded,  inasmuch  as  it  evidently  mani- 
fested the  wonderful  mercy  of  the  great  Preserver 
of  mankind. 

We  visited  a  number  of  Friends  and  friendly 
people  in  their  families,  and  attended  a  meeting  ap- 
pointed at  Stanford,  which  was  a  large  gathering, 
consisting  of  a  few  Friends,  some  Methodists,  and 
many  others  who  never  before  had  been  at  a  Friends' 
meeting.  These  not  knowing  the  usefulness  of  silent 
waiting,  were  very  uneasy  in  the  time  of  silence, 
which  was  a  trial, to  me;  but  I  endeavoured  to  abide 
in  the  patience,  and  hope  to  the  end.  At  length,  I 
trust,  in  the  Lord's  time,  I  was  raised  in  a  good  de- 
gree of  life  to  declare  the  Truth  to  them  in  such  a 
manner  that  it  brought  a  profound  silence  over  the 
meeting.  I  was  led  to  show  them  the  usefulness  and 
efficacy  of  attending  to  their  own  gifts,  or  the  light 
of  Christ  within  them.  Although  it  was  a  new  doc- 
trine to  many  of  them,  yet  they  were  willing  to 
acknowledge  it  was  a  great  truth,  and  too  much  ne- 
glected. We  lodged  with  Jeremiah  Moore,  who 
went  with  us  next  day  to  see  William  Lippincott 
and  Samuel  Becket,  who  lived  about  eighteen  miles 
from  thence,  having  lately  come  from  the  Jersies. 
They  received  us  kindly,  and  I  thought  if  they  kept 
their  places,  they  might  be  useful  to  the  little  flock 
of  Friends  in  those  countries,  or  the  two  little  meet- 
ings now  begun  in  those  parts. 

Sth  of  8th  mo.  In  company  with  our  friend  Wm. 
Lippincott,  we  went  to  Queenstown,  and  agreed  for 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFXJS  HALL. 


55 


a  passage  in  the  packet  to  Kingston,  it  b^ing  about 
one  hundred  and  sixty  miles  by  water  on  lake  On- 
tario. Next  day  we  went  on  board,  and  sailed  in  the 
afternoon;  but  got  little  sleep  the  night  following  by 
reason  of  a  company  of  loose  drunken  men  who  were 
very  noisy:  which  led  me  to  consider  what  a  pitch 
of  hardness  and  unthoughtfulness  men  may  arrive  at 
by  keeping  bad  company.  Who  that  is  concerned  for 
his  children's  welfare,  can  consent  that  they  should 
follow  a  sailor's  life  for  a  livelihood  in  this  world? 

On  the  13th  we  landed  at  Kingston,  and  went 
thence  on  foot  about  four  or  five  miles  to  our  friend 
Aaron  Brewer's.  We  were  much  fatigued  by  being 
on  board  the  packet,  and  having  hard  lodging  four 
nights,  with  loose  company,  and  some  of  us  being 
sea-sick;  but  were  kindly  received  and  refreshed  by 
our  friends  Aaron  Brewer  and  his  wife;  with  whom 
we  rested  a  day  or  two:  then  attended  a  meeting 
appointed  at  their  house,  which  was  large  for  this 
wilderness  country,  being  made  up  of  a  few  Friends, 
and  others  of.  various  denominations.  But  all  were 
quiet,  and  I  had  an  open  lime  to  declare  Truth  among 
them.  Thanks  be  to  the  great  Master  of  our  assem- 
blies for  his  manifold  mercies,  saith  my  soul.  Next 
day  we  rode  to  the  Bay  of  Quinty  to  the  house  of 
John  Borland,  and  the  day  following  visited  the  fami- 
lies of  James  Noxen  and  Reuben  Beadel,  a  friendly 
man.  We  also  made  several  other  religious  visits  to 
families,  and  on  the  19th,  being  first-day,  had  a  meet- 
ing at  Philip  Borland's,  which  I  tliought  was  a  fa- 
voured time.  We  then  crossed  the  bay  in  company 
with  Philip  Borland  and  James  Noxen  to  West-lake, 
where  we  visited  the  family  of  Jacob  Cronck;  but  it 
was  a  low  time  with  me.    Our  friend  James  Noxen,. 


56 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


being  in  the  ministerial  line,  laboured  with  some 
success,  for  which  I  felt  thankful. 
,  22nd.  Attended  a  meeting  we  had  appointed  at 
the  house  of  Cornelius  Blount,  and  I  thought  it  a  fa- 
voured one,  though  I  was  yet  so  low  in  mind  as  to 
be  entirely  silent;  but  James  Noxen  was  much  fa- 
voured in  testimony,  though  not  yet  a  recommended 
minister,  but  in  unity  with  Friends.  Next  day,  after 
visiting  another  family,  we  went  to  a  place  called 
Grassy  Point,  in  order  to  visit  the  few  Friends  there. 
Had  sittings  with  them  to  some  satisfaction,  although 
it  was  still  low  water  with  me.  I  compared  myself 
to  a  vessel  that  was  endeavouring  to  make  the  best 
of  her  way  with  a  small  wind,  so  that  one  could  but 
just  discern  that  she  got  along  at  all.  But  I  endea- 
voured to  be  as  well  contented  as  I  could,  seeing  1 
could  be  no  otherwise,  and  believing  that  my  heaven- 
ly Father  knew  what  was  best  for  me  at  all  times. 
After  visiting  another  family,  we  again  crossed  the 
bay,  and  lodged  at  David  Barker's. 

26th.  We  again  attended  the  meeting  at  Philip 
Borland's,  in  which  I  was  silent  as  to  public  testi- 
mony. 1  thought  the  people  might  see  that  the 
Lord's  ministers  could  not  preach  at  any  time  when 
they  would  have  them.  So  I  felt  easy  in  mind,  and 
willing  to  be  disposed  of  as  my  heavenly  Master 
should  see  best.  Next  day  visited  Daniel  Haight's 
family  to  good  satisfaction,  a  little  stream  of  gospel 
love  flowing  freely  towards  them. 

28th.  We  set  out  for  Kingston;  feeling  myself 
fully  clear  of  these  parts,  and  seeing  nothing  but  that 
I  might  soon  proceed  homewards;  so  we  came  to 
Aaron  Brewer's  that  night.  Next  day  visited  Joseph 
Farris's  family;  and  the  night  following  was  taken 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


57 


unwell  with  an  ague  and  fever,  which  was  very  try- 
ing to  me.  On  the  31st,  feeling  fully  clear  of  this 
part  of  the  world,  I  was  easy  to  return  homewards; 
and  on  considering  in  what  way  to  proceed,  we  at 
length  concluded  to  take  passage  by  water  in  a  small 
boat.  So  we  wrote  to  our  friend  Jeremiah  Moore, 
at  Niagara,  who  had  our  horses  in  keeping,  to  sell 
them,  and  after  satisfying  himself  for  his  trouble,  to 
transmit  the  balance  to  us. 

1st  of  9th  mo.  We  took  leave  of  our  friends,  and 
went  on  board  the  boat;  got  on  about  eighteen  miles 
to  Grenadier  island,  and  lodged  on  the  ground,  there 
being  no  inhabitants  on  the  island;  but  making  a  good 
fire,  and  having  blankets  and  sail  cloth  to  cover  us, 
we  fared  tolerably  well.  Next  day,  we  continued 
our  voyage  along  the  lake  shore,  and  at  night  again 
lodged  on  the  ground;  but  the  ague  and  fever  again 
seizing  me,  I  got  but  little  rest.  Yet  I  was  borne  up, 
I  trust,  with  a  good  degree  of  patience,  under  it  all, 
and  the  company  were  very  kind  to  me. 

3d.  Pursuing  our  course  along  near  the  shore,  we 
arrived  at  Oswego  some  time  after  night-fall,  being 
about  eighty  miles  from  Kingston.  Here  we  had 
good  entertainment  at  a  tavern,  and  next  morning 
felt  refreshed,  having  missed  my  chill.  Then  taking 
our  way  up  Oswego  river,  we  got  forward  only  eleven 
miles  all  day,  by  reason  of  the  many  rapids  and  shal- 
lows. At  night  we  got  to  a  sort  of  hause  or  cabin; 
but  the  ague  seized  me  again  with  a  harder  fit  than 
before;  and  though  we  had  to  sleep  on  the  floor,  it 
was  better  than  no  shelter  at  all.  In  the  morning  the 
boatmen  hired  some  men  to  carry  our  boat  on  wheels 
till  we  ppssed  the  falls;  then  took  to  the  water  again 
till  we  came  to  Oneida  river,  and  up  that  some  dis- 


58 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


tance:  lodged  on  the  ground  in  the  woods,  it  being 
uninhabited  here  also.  Next  day  we  passed  through 
Oneida  lake,  and  in  the  evening  came  to  the  mouth 
of  Wood  creek,  where  we  lodged  at  an  inn. 

7th.  We  took  our  rout  up  Wood  creek  with  great 
difficulty  by  reason  of  the  many  shallow  places,  but 
got  forward  about  eighteen  miles.  At  night,  had  a 
good  house  and  bed  to  lodge  in,  but  my  disorder  now 
seizing  me  every  night,  I  could  get  very  little  rest: 
and  my  bodily  strength  failed  so  much  that  I  could 
not  walk  without  help  from  the  boat  to  the  house. 
My  appetite  also  failing,  it  was  a  low,  trying  time 
to  me;  yet  the  kindness  of  my  companion,  as  well 
as  the  rest  of  our  company,  seemed  to  mitigate  my 
sufferings.  Next  day,  passing  fort  Stanwix,  and 
through  two  locks  and  a  canal,  we  entered  the  Mo- 
hawk river;  and  thus  with  much  difficulty  and  hard 
labour,  by  drawing  the  boat  over  many  rapids  and 
shallow  places,  we  got  slowly  along  till  we  arrived 
at  Schenectady  on  the  11th,  where  we  hired  a  man 
to  carry  me  in  a  chair  to  Joseph  Fowler's,  about 
fourteen  miles;  and  from  thence  I  was  carried  home 
in  a  wagon  next  day,  being  the  12th  of  the  9th  mo., 
to  the  great  joy  of  my  dear  wife  and  family.  I  was 
truly  comforted  to  find  them  all  well,  although  I  was 
very  low  in  health  myself. 

In  this  journey  I  was  gone  nearly  three  months, — 
travelled  by  land  and  water  about  twelve  hundred 
miles  according  to  computation,  and  attended  twen- 
ty-four meetings,  beside  many  family  visits. 

14th.  In  taking  a  review  of  my  little  services,  I 
feel  perfect  peace;  having  abundant  cause  to  bless, 
praise  and  magnify  the  Divine  hand  that  hath  pre- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


59 


served  mc  to  this  day.  Although  I  have  many  times, 
as  it  were,  staggered  and  reeled  to  and  fro,  yet  at  this 
time  I  feel  delivered  from  fear  of  falling,  if  I  do  but 
keep  up  the  daily  watch,  which  is  necessary  for  all 
men. 

16th.  I  attended  our  meeting  at  Easton,  and  was 
much  comforted  in  silting  with  my  home  friends  in 
a  good  degree  of  solemnity  and  awfiil  reverence  be- 
fore the  Lord.  Next  day  feeling  my  health  improv- 
ing, I  walked  out  to  see  some  of  my  friends  and 
neighbours,  among  whom  was  my  well  respected, 
aged  friend,  Daniel  Cornell.  He  told  me  a  dream 
which  led  to  these  remarks:  There  are  many  in  these 
days  who  feel  the  necessity  of  knowing  Christ  raised 
in  them,  so  that  by  feeling  his  powerful  working  in 
their  minds,  they  may  have  the  witness  or  seal  of  his 
owning  presence  in  themselves,  who  yet  do  not  get 
deep  enough,  or  else  by  letting  in  discouragements 
they  give  up  the  labour  too  soon.  But  it  is  those 
only  that  are  earnestly  engaged  to  press  forward 
through  all  opposition,  who  will  ever  witness  the 
resurrection  of  Christ,  to  their  real  and  solid  com- 
fort. 

2d  of  10th  mo.  What  meaneth  this  language  that 
I  have  heard  for  several  days  past  in  the  ear  of  my 
mind;  "  Study  to  be  quiet,  and  do  thy  own  business." 
It  seems  as  if  it  was  a  scripture  passage,  but  I  cannot 
find  it  there;  and  whether  it  be  there  or  not,  there 
is  great  instruction  in  it  indeed.  It  hath  afforded 
me  much  in  the  contemplation  of  it,  and  I  think  it 
might  be  of  use  to  every  class  of  mankind,  if  it  were 
properly  attended  to.  Str(dy  to  be  quiet.  What 
can  be  more  necessary,  when  any  thing  is  presented 
to  the  mind  to  be  done  or  omitted,  than  first  to  en* 


60 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


deavour  to  quiet  all  our  own  vain  thoughts  and  self- 
contrivance,  in  order  to  become  properly  qualified 
to  know  our  own  proper  business;  seeing  that  of  our- 
selves we  can  do  nothing  that  will  redound  to  the 
praise  or  glory  of  God:  and  to  glorify  God  our  Crea- 
tor, is  the  ultimate  end  for  which  we  were  created. 
This,  I  suppose,  is  generally  confessed  by  all  sorts 
of  people.  Wherefore,  if  thou  art  young  in  years, 
it  is  thy  indispensable  duty  to  study  to  quiet  all  thy 
vain  thoughts  and  wandering  imaginations,  in  order 
to  be  made  capable  of  hearing  the  still  small  voice 
that  speaks  in  thy  heart,  saying,  This  is  the  way; 
walk  in  it.  And  although  it  may  lead  thee  in  the 
way  of  the  cross  to  thy  natural  inclinations,  yet  it  is 
the  way  to  the  crown  of  perfect  peace.  Therefore 
do  nothing  rashly;  but  study  to  be  quiet,  and  find 
out  and  do  thy  own  business;  for  thou  must  work 
out  thy  own  salvation,  and  that  with  fenr  and  trem- 
bling. Thou  must  not  look  out  to  others  to  do  thy 
work,  but  turn  the  attention  of  thy  mind  inward  to 
the  gift  of  light  and  grace  in  thy  own  heart,  and  study 
to  be  quiet  in  thy  own  thoughts,  not  suffering  thy 
natural  will  and  desires  to  have  the  pre-eminence  in 
thy  mind.  So  wilt  thou  be  in  the  way  to  be  rightly 
informed  what  thy  business  is,  and  to  be  strengthen- 
ed to  perform  it  in  an  acceptable  manner. 

If  thou  art  numbered  among  the  middle-aged,  yet 
this  lesson  would  be  as  useful  to  thee  as  perhaps  any 
other:  for  I  appeal  to  thy  own  conscience,  whether 
when  thou  takest  a  retrospective  view  of  thy  past 
life,  thou  dost  not  see  many  things  that  have  not 
been  rightly  done  by  thee;  and  whether,  in  thy  se- 
rious moments,  thou  art  not  almost  ready  to  say,  I 
would  not  do  so  now.  All  these  mis-steps  have  been 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFCS  HALL. 


61 


taken  by  being  too  hasty  in  thy  mind,  and  for  want 
of  studying  to  quiet  thy  own  will  and  self-contri- 
vance; and  if  the  watch  is  not  kept  up,  it  may  be 
the  case  with  thee  again.  Wherefore,  in  all  thy  fu- 
ture progress  in  life,  stud}'  to  be  quiet,  and  mind  thy 
own  particular  business,  and  especially  that  business 
which  is  of  eternal  consequence;  for  the  work  of  sal- 
vation is  of  very  great  moment  to  thee,  to  me,  and 
to  all  mankind;  seeing  we  are  all  but  tenants  at  will, 
and  the  dissolution  of  these  bodies  awaits  us  contin- 
ually, but  of  the  time  when,  we  are  all  at  uncertain- 
ty. As  the  tree  falleth  so  it  lies,  whether  toward  the 
north  or  toward  the  south:  and  without  holiness  no 
man  shall  see  the  Lord.  Therefore,  as  we  cannot 
expect  to  find  repentance  in  the  grave,  it  is  highly 
needful  for  us  to  study  to  be  quiet  and  mind  our  own 
proper  business. 

Thou  art  now  in  the  middle  walks  of  life,  accord- 
ing to  a  common  way  of  reckoning;  a  great  portion 
of  thy  precious  time  is  already  past,  and  perhaps  thy 
day's  work  may  be  far  behind-hand,  so  that  it  re- 
quires great  diligence  to  redeem  the  time.  Perhaps 
thou  art  in  the  midst  of  business,  having  a  large  fa- 
mily to  provide  for;  and  thy  farm  produces  plenti- 
fully; or  thou'  hast  a  large  and  lucrative  trade  on 
hand,  and  thy  mind  is  agitated  divers  ways, — taking 
thought  how  to  make  the  best  of  all  thou  hast;  and 
how  to  take  advantage  of  the  times,  not  only  for  the 
support  of  thy  family  and  household,  but  also  to 
make  thyself  a  little  richer,  or  to  increase  thy  stock. 
But  canst  thou,  by  taking  thought,  add  one  cubit  to 
thy  stature?  Dost  thou  find  by  all  these  struggles 
and  anxious  thoughts  and  cares,  that  thou  art  any 
nearer  heaven  than  thou  wast  some  time  past?  and 
6 


62 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFCS  HALL. 


what  progress  art  thou  making  thitherward  ?  It  is 
the  end  which  crowns  all  at  last:  and  if  ihoa  miss 
heaven  and  happiness,  thou  wilt  lose  all  that  is  truly 
worth  having.  Is  it  not  indeed  high  time  for  thee 
to  study  to  quiet  these  perplexing  thoughts  about 
this  life,  and  be  more  seriously  thoughtful  concern- 
ing thy  everlasting  welfare?  Oh!  saith  my  soul,  that 
thou  wouldst  instantly  and  earnestly  give  heed  to 
this  little  but  comprehensive  text,  Study  to  be  quiet 
and  do  thy  own  business, — thy  particular  and  im- 
portant business;  seeing  the  matter  appears  to  be 
urgent,  and  the  cause  of  everlasting  consequence. 

If  thou  art  old,  and  feelest  the  infirmities  of  body, 
the  natural  production  of  old  age, — yet  perhaps  there 
remains  something  for  thee  to  do.  Although  thou 
hast  experienced  much  in  the  course  of  thy  life,  and 
hast  seen  many  changes,  overturnings  and  revolu- 
tions in  thy  time,  yet  all  these  things  ought  not  to 
trouble  thee:  let  them  not  perplex  thy  mind,  but 
study  to  be  quiet  and  attend  to  thy  own  business. 
Keep  thy  mind  calm  and  quiet,  and  be  not  troubled 
at  these  worldly,  changing  things.  Since  thy  glass 
is  almost  run,  and  thou  wilt  soon  be  centred  in  the 
world  of  spirits,  let  it  be  thy  chief  and  principal  con- 
cern to  be  found  ready  at  the  midnight  cry,  having 
thy  lamp  trimmed  and  burn-jng,  with  oil  in  thy  ves- 
sel, so  as  to  enter  into,  the  bride  .chamber.  Study 
then  to  be  quiet,  and  daily  wait  to  have  thy  mind 
supplied  with  heavenly  incc^iies  of  Divine  grace. 
Feel  after  the  Lord's  owning  presence;  by  which 
the  evidence  of  the  love  of  God  may  so  abound  in 
thy  heart,  that  all  doubts  and  fears  will  vanish  away. 
So  wilt  thou  see  and  know  tliat  studying  to  be  quiet 
and  doing  thy  own  work,  will  produce  more  solid 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


63 


peace  and  happiness  than  all  the  cares,  and  troubles, 
and  tossings  and  anxieties  of  this  world  can  ever 
procure. 

Art  thou  an  active  nnember  in  the  church?  This 
lesson  will  be  profitable  for  thee  to  learn;  for  human 
invention  in  the  exercise  of  church  discipline  can  do 
little  or  no  good,  and  certainly  may  do  much  hurt. 
Therefore,  study  to  be  quiet,  as  to  thy  own  wit,  cun- 
ning, and  contrivance,  and  centre  down  to  thy  own 
business;  which  is  to  know  that  of  thyself,  without 
Divine  influence,  thou  art  a  fool  as  to  the  right  know- 
ledge and  qualification  for  church  discipline.  Thy 
mind  must  be  quickened  and  influenced  by  the  life- 
giving  presence  of  Christ,  the  head  of  the  church: 
and  as  thou  becomest  thus  quickened,  and  made 
alive,  and  keeps  in  that  life,  thou  wilt  labour  success- 
fully tiierein;  and  not  till  then.  Wherefore,  in  the 
first  place,  and  above  all  things,  study  to  be  quiet, 
and  attend  to  the  Divine  gift  in  thyself,  that  thou 
mayst  know  and  do  thy  own  business.  It  is  also 
needful  for  those  that  do  not  consider  themselves  as 
active  members,  but  sit  as  learners;  yet  there  is 
something  for  these  to  do;  for  all  the  members  of 
the  body  are  useful  to  one  another  as  they  abide  in 
the  life  of  the  body;  and  as  they  draw  their  life  from 
the  head,  they  all  have  to  centre  down  to  their  own 
gifts,  to  study  to  be  quiet,  and  mind  their  own  busi- 
ness; hereby  experiencing  their  spirits  to  be  dipped 
and  baptized,  united  and  knit  together  with  their 
brethren  and  sisters  in  the  service  of  God  for  the 
good  of  souls  in  general,  and  for  the  mutual  comfort 
and  edification  of  society. 

And  0  ye  ministers, — what  class  of  mankind  hath 
more  need  to  give  due  attention  to  the  subject  before 


64 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


US,  than  you  have;  since  all  those  that  pretend  to  i 
teach  others  and  to  preach  the  gospel,  must  speak  as  l 
the  oracles  of  God,  or  otherwise  they  cannot  expect 
either  to  profit  the  people  or  themselves.  If  they  are 
not  clothed  and  immediately  authorised  with  power 
from  on  high, — if  they  have  not  on  their  minds  and 
spirits,  theUrim  and  theThummim,  the  bell  and  the 
promegranate, — they  may  make  abundance  of  noise 
about  religion,  but  all  to  no  good  purpose.  For,  to 
preach  the  gospel  is  no  less  than  to  preach  the  very 
power  of  God;  for  "  the  gospel  is  the  power  of  God 
unto  salvation."  If  the  minds  and  spirits  of  those 
that  minister  are  not  covered  with,  and  dipped  and 
baptized  into  that  power,  so  as  to  feel  the  clothing  of 
Divine  love  and  charity,  with  an  immediate  necessi- 
ty and  command  from  God, — they  will  give  an  un- 
certain sound;  and  then  who  shall  prepare  for  battle 
against  sin?  Their  preaching  will  be  no  more  in  the 
ears  of  the  hearers,  nor  even  in  their  own  mouths, 
than  a  pleasant  song:  it  will  not  be  in  any  wise  sa- 
ving, or  edifying;  neither  will  the  speaker  or  hearers 
be  profitably  baptized  thereby.  But  if  ministers  are 
rightly  called,  qualified  and  sent  or  called  forth,  their 
ministry  will  be  saving,  edifying  and  comfortable. 
It  was  so  of  old;  and  God,  the  author  of  it,  is  the 
same  yesterday,  to-day  and  foreVerr  he  changeth  not. 
His  will  is  to  save  men  from  sin  as  much  now  as  it 
was  then.  When  Christ  sent  forth  his  disciples,  he 
gave  them  this  particular  charge;  "  Go  ye,  and  teach 
all  nations,  baptizing  them  into  the  name  or  power 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  holy  Spirit." 
Therefore,  if  preachers  are  to  teach  so  effectually  as 
thereby  so  powerfully  to  reach  the  hearts  of  the  peo- 
ple that  they  are  baptized  into  the  very  power  and 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL.  65 

life  of  God, — have  not  t\\ey  who  profess  to  preach 
the  gospel,  great  need  to  study  to  be  quiet,  and  do 
their  own  business,  which  is  the  Lord's  work  thro' 
them  ? 

If  we  of  ourselves  can  do  nothing  towards  advan- 
cing the  glory  of  God,  and  are  yet  called  to  speak  as 
the  oracles  of  God,  we  are  no  more  than  the  trumpet 
through  which  God  sometimes  makes  his  will  known 
to  the  people:  and  surely  no  trumpet  can  sound  any 
thing  intelligibly  of  itself,  to  any  one.  But  as  it  is 
the  place  of  a  trumpet  sometimes  to  be  silent,  altho' 
in  the  midst  of  the  people, — because  there  are  times 
when  it  is  not  needful  that  the  trumpet  be  sounded; 
so  it  is  with  ministers  of  the  gospel:  it  is  their  pro- 
per business  sometimes  to  be  silent.  So  that  they 
have  great  need  to  study  to  be  quiet,  in  order  that 
they  may  be  rightly  informed  what  to  say  and  when 
to  speak,  and  when  to  be  silent;  as  well  as  where 
the  message  is  to  be  delivered,  and  who  it  is  for,  or 
whether  it  is  for  any  particular  person  or  persons;  or 
whether  it  is  for  their  own  use;  or  to  be  delivered  in 
public.  All  which  it  is  needful  for  ministers  to  be 
rightly  and  clearly  informed  of,  before  they  can  be 
properly  qualified  to  teach  the  people  profitably,  or 
preach  baptizingly.  But,  as  these  qualifications  can- 
not be  attained  by  any  art  or  letter-learning,  nor  yet 
by  all  the  cunning  studies  and  inventions  of  men; 
for  that  which  is  known  of  God  is  manifest  in  them 
by  the  light  of  his  grace  in  their  hearts,  as  they  give 
good  heed  thereunto; — .so  it  is  highlj^  needful  for 
ministers  to  study  to  be  quiet,  and  thus  know  and 
distinguish  their  own  proper  business.  This  imme- 
diate revelation  of  the  Divine  will  and  qualifying 
jX)wer  is  needful  to  be  known,  felt,  and  attended  to, 
6  * 


66 


JOURNAL  OF  KUFUS  HALL. 


by  ministers,  not  only  when  to  rise,  but  when  de- 
claring to  the  people:  else  how  do  the)'  know  what 
to  say,  and  when  to  be  silent  and  close?  For  let  it 
be  remembered,  that  they  who  add  to  or  diminish 
any  thing  from  the  sure  word  of  prophecy,  will  be 
in  danger  of  the  curse  mentioned  in  the  book  of  Re- 
velation; or  as  the  prophet  said  concerning  them  that 
kindle  a  fire,  and  compass  themselves  about  with  the 
sparks  that  they  have  kindled, — they  shall  lie  down 
in  sorrow. 

Oh!  then,  let  us  all  centre  down  to  our  own  gifts, 
and  stud}'  to  quiet  all  our  own  human  thoughts,  ima- 
ginations, inventions  and  contrivances;  and  let  the 
Lord  God  of  hosts  speak  by  and  through  whom  he 
pleases.  And  let  all  flesh  keep  silence  before  him; 
so  shall  we  know  what  our  proper  business  is,  and 
be  enabled  to  do  it  acceptably. 

And  ye  elders  also  have  need  to  study  quietness 
and  true  silence,  as  well  as  others.  For  how  can  ye 
judge  rightly  of  spirits  and  of  doctrines,  or  travail 
with  the  ministers,  unless  your  minds  are  rightly  in- 
formed and  Divinely  qualified?  And  is  it  not  need- 
ful, in  order  to  this,  that  all  self-exaltation,  self-con- 
trivance, and  self-conceit,  together  with  all  former 
prejudices  or  conclusions,  be  laid  aside  and  put  away, 
before  yc  can  judge  righteous  judgment,  or  stand  as 
upright  pillars  in  the  church,  or  be  as  fathers  and 
mothers  in  Israel  in  a  spiritual  travail  ?  How  need- 
ful, tlierefore,  for  you  to  study  to  be  quiet,  in  order 
to  discern  and  feel  and  know  your  proper  business, 
and  be  Divinely  qualified  to  do  it! 

But  in  truth  it  may  be  said.  What  class,  station, 
or  situation  of  mankind  is  there  that  would  not  be 
profited  by  rightly  learning,  understanding,  and  giv' 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


67 


ing  due  and  practical  attention  to  these  few  but  com- 
prehensive words  of  admonition,  "  Study  to  be  quiet 
and  do  thy  own  business." 

10th  month  14th.  Since  I  came  home  from  my 
western  visit,  I  have  observed  that  our  meetings  at 
Easton  are  much  larger  than  they  were  formerly; 
which  I  thought  was  in  some  measure  occasioned  by 
the  abundance  of  preaching  that  occurred  in  our 
meeting  about  this  tim.e.  And  a  fear  hath  often  pos- 
sessed my  mind  lest  too  many  came  for  the  sake  of 
hearing  a  pleasant  sound  of  words,  and  did  not  suffi- 
ciently attend  to  their  own  gifts;  so  missed  of  the 
true  usefulness  of  attending  meetings.  On  this  sub- 
ject I  was  very  much  exercised,  believing  that  if  the 
people  did  not  strictly  attend  to  their  own  gifts,  or 
the  measure  of  grace  in  their  own  hearts,  they  would 
be  more  likely  to  be  hurt  by  much  preaching,  though 
it  might  flow  from  the  right  fountain,  than  be  bene- 
fited by  it.  However,  I  see  clearly  that  it  is  best  at 
all  times,  and  under  all  our  exercises,  to  put  our  trust 
in  the  Lord,  and  let  him  speak  by  and  through  whom 
he  pleases,  and  as  much  as  he  pleases;  for  we  are 
weak,  ignorant,  and  short-sighted  creatures,  and  can 
of  ourselves  do  nothing  that  will  redound  to  his  hon- 
our and  praise. 

17th.  As  I  was  driving  oxen,  drawing  timber  for 
the  use  of  my  farm,  I  had  occasion  to  pass  by  the 
dwelling  house  of  a  man  who  is  considered  wealthy, 
having  many  of  the  conveniencics  of  life,  and  is 
withal  a  very  good  neighbour,  the  following  reflec- 
tions occurred :  This  man  began  the  world  as  poor  as 
myself,and  is  now  in  the  space  of  twenty  )'ears,  worth 
perhaps  more  than  three  times  as  much  as  I  am;  yet 
I  suppose  I  have  done  more  labour  than  he  has:  and 


68  JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 

while  he  has  large  sum* of  money  out  at  use,  I  am 
put  to  it  to  keep  clear  of  debt.  A  query  arose  in  my 
mind  why  it  should  be  so;  and  whether  all  things 
were  right  with  us  both,  while  our  circumstances  in 
regard  to  this  life  were  so  different?  This  man  is 
considered  a  great  farmer,  and  seems  naturally  what 
is  called  a  very  clever  neighbour.  He  seems  to  have 
a  sleight  at  making  a  good  bargain  in  trading,  in  buy- 
ing and  selling;  and  as  yet  steers  his  course  among 
men  so  as  to  avoid  their  censure.  He  makes  not 
much  profession  or  appearance  of  being  religious; 
hut  will  sometimes  go  to  meeting  when  it  best  suits 
him,  or  when  some  travelling  Friend  comes  along 
and  appoints  a  meeting. 

Now,  as  this  character  may  apply  to  many  who  are 
considered  prosperous  and  thriving  in  the  things  of 
this  life,  it  appears  to  me  there  is  danger  of  suffering 
the  mind  to  be  too  much  taken  up  with  studying  and 
contriving  how  to  make  the  most  of  things; — how  to 
take  the  advantage  of  the  times  and  circumstances  of 
business;  and  how  a  poor  debt  may  be  shifted  oS"  into 
better  hands  by  a  little  management;  also  in  observ- 
ing who  has  the  best  horses,  cattle  and  stock, — who 
is  under  the  necessity  of  selling  cheap,  or  buying 
dear.  These  worldly  cares  and  anxieties,  with  the 
uneasiness  occasioned  by  the  fear  of  losing  by  sink- 
ing or  poor  creditors,  may  prey  upon  the  thoughts 
so  as  to  prevent  sleep  and  the  natural  rest  of  body 
and  mind.  The  mental  eye  may  become  so  blinded 
by  the  corroding  cares  and  concerns  of  this  life,  that 
it  sees  not  the  necessity  of  becoming  truly  religious; 
and  therefore  chiefly  minds  the  things  of  this  world. 

I  believe  the  Lord  in  wisdom  hath  .seen  meet  to 
set  one  above  another  in  such  a  sense  as  for  one  to. 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


69 


have  more  of  this  world's  goods  committed  to  his 
stewardship,  than  another.  As  to  myself,  although 
I  have  comparatively  but  little  of  the  treasures  of 
this  world,  yet  I  have  a  sufficiency  for  myself  and 
family  in  a  plain  way,  and  can  entertain  my  friends 
with  simplicity  and  satisfaction,  feeling  much  delight 
and  comfort  in  their  company,  and  have  but  few 
things  appertaining  to  this  life  to  give  me  anxiety 
or  trouble.  Thus,  we  have  a  cloud  of  witnesses  to 
confirm  us  in  the  truth,  that  a  little  with  content- 
ment, is  better  than  great  gain,  or  great  possessions 
and  trouble  therewith.  And  1  am  fully  convinced 
that  in  the  wise  administration  of  Divine  Providence, 
it  is  as  great  a  blessing  to  some  to  be  poor,  as  it  is  to 
others  to  be  rich  in  the  things  of  this  world:  but  in 
all  situations.  Divine  wisdom  is  needful  and  profita- 
ble to  direct  aright,  and  to  make  us  faithful  stewards, 
whether  of  little  or  much. 

24th.  I  attended  the  monthly  meeting  at  Saratoga, 
and  had  a  favoured  time  in  testimony;  enlarging,  as 
it  opened  to  me  in  the  light,  on  the  circumstance  of 
Paul's  being  brought  before  Felix  the  governor. — ■ 
When  he  reasoned  with  him  "  of  righteousness,  tem- 
perance, and  judgment  to  come,  Felix  trembled;" 
being  no  doubt  fully  convinced  of  the  truth  of  Paul's 
doctrine:  and  yet  as  if  to  evade  the  cross,  he  said  to 
Paul,  "Go  thy  way  for  this  time;  when  I  have  a 
convenient  season,  I  will  call  for  thee."  But  though 
he  sent  for  him  often,  and  doubtless  knew  that  Paul 
was  an  innocent  man,  yet  he  never  did  set  him  at 
liberty,  as  it  was  in  his  power  to  do,  but  continued 
him  a  prisoner.  Thus,  instead  of  being  tender  to- 
wards him,  Felix  became  so  hardened  that  when  the 
time  came  that  he  must  resign  his  place  to  another, 


70 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


"  being  willing  to  show  the  opposing  Jews  a  plea- 
sure," rather  than  do  justice,  he  "  left  Paul  bound." 
After  which,  it  was  out  of  his  power  to  set  him  at 
liberty,  even  if  he  had  been  ever  so  willing.  And 
so  it  is  in  a  spiritual  sense:  for  as  we  put  off  and  de- 
lay yielding  obedience  to  manifested  duty,  we  grow 
still  harder  and  harder,  weaker  and  weaker,  and 
blinder  and  blinder,  until  we  lose  all  the  power  or 
strength  we  had  to  do  the  things  that  we  have  been 
fully  convinced  we  ought  to  do. 

The  next  day,  at  our  mid-week  meeting,  I  felt,  as 
I  thought,  like  Peter  when  shut  up  and  bound  in 
prison.  But  as  I  cried  or  breathed  to  God  for  help, 
a  Friend  stood  up  and  spoke  so  exactly  to  my  state 
and  condition,  that  my  bands  fell  off,  the  iron  gate 
opened  as  of  its  own  accord,  and  I  was  set  at  liberty 
to  praise  the  Lord  who  is  everlastingly  worth)^ — 
Thus,  he  works  by  instruments  when  he  sees  meet, 
for  the  help  and  salvation  of  his  depending  children. 

About  the  beginning  of  the  11th  month,  there 
were  several  sudden  deaths  in  our  neighbourhood, 
which  seemed  to  be  a  very  solemn  warning  to  us  all. 
The  people  were  earnestly  entreated  to  be  mindful 
of  their  latter  end,  and  tenderly  exhorted  to  be  pre- 
pared to  meet  death  at  all  times.  Oh!  who  among 
us  will  be  so  wise  as  to  improve  by  these  solemn 
admonitions?  I  believe  it  will  be  those  that  live  daily 
in  the  true  fear  of  the  Lord.  May  the  number  of 
these  increase. 

18th.  Attended  our  meeting  at  Easton,  and  felt 
entirely  empty,  so  as  to  be  compared  to  a  blank.  But 
as  I  sat,  with  my  mind  retired  inward,  it  was  sound- 
ed in  the  ear  of  my  mind.  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  let 
him  arise  in  his  own  time,  and  in  his  own  way.  This 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


71 


settled  ill  iny  mind  with  the  evidence  of  Divine  light 
and  life,  as  being  that  which  all  men  and  women 
ought  to  do,  in  order  that  they  might  be  qualified 
rightly  to  worship  God  in  spirit,  and  in  the  way  and 
manner  acceptable  to  him.  Those  minds  that  become 
rightly  centred  in  their  own  gifts,  looking  inward  to 
the  Lord  for  Divine  assistance  to  perform  worship 
in  an  acceptable  manner, — are  rightly  qualified  to  re- 
ceive the  real  benefit  of  assembling  together,  whether 
the  meeting  be  held  in  silence  or  not.  These  wit- 
ness their  inward  spiritual  strength  to  be  renewed 
in  a  right  manner,  and  their  minds  and  spirits  mount 
.upwards  with  wings  as  eagles;  and  these  truly  enjoy 
the  sweet  fellowship  of  brethren  and  sisters,  begotton 
of  the  heavenly  Father,  and  made  like  unto  the  sons 
of  God. 

But  those  that  grow  impatient  and  do  not  keep  to 
the  inward  exercise,  but  want  Iielp  in  their  own  time 
and  way,  are  like  the  children  of  Israel  when  Moses 
was  gone  up  into  the  mount  and  had  tarried  many 
days, — they  said  to  Aaron,  their  minister,  "Up,  make 
us  gods  that  may  go  before  us,  for  as  for  Moses,  we 
wist  not  what  has  become  of  him."  These  seem  as 
though  they  would  almost  draw  some  of  the  minis- 
ters ofi"  their  seats,  in  order  that  they  might  hear 
something  with  their  outward  ears,  so  as  to  be  amus- 
ed and  elevated  thereby.  But,  poor  creatures,  they 
would  all  be  deceived,  even  if  they  should  succeed 
in  their  desires:  for,  if  any  of  the  ministers  should 
be  off  their  watch,  and  so  far  miss  their  way  as  to 
gratify  them  with  words  without  life  and  power,  it 
would  do  them  no  more  good  than  Aaron's  calf  did 
the  children  of  Israel — and  we  may  remember  their 
conduct  incurred  so  great  displeasure  from  God,  that 


72 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


there  fell  of  them  in  that  day  about  three  thousand 
men.  Now,  although  such  superficial  impatient  hear- 
ers may  seem  to  like  such  preaching  well,  and  call  it 
good  doctrine, — may  even  proclaim  as  the  Israelites 
did  in  that  day,  These  be  thy  gods,  0  Israel,  which 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt; — yet  are  they 
not  profited  by  it  at  all. 

As  life  arose  into  dominion,  I  found  a  necessity 
to  stand  up  and  open  these  views  to  the  people,  with 
much  enlargement,  and  had  good  satisfaction  in  my 
labour,  feeling  the  peace  of  God  to  rest  on  my  mind. 
And  now,  in  penning  these  remarks,  I  think  minis- 
ters may  learn  a  profitable  lesson  of  caution,  hy  ob- 
serving Aaron's  weakness  in  condescending  to  the 
people  who  were  in  an  impatient  and  murmuring 
disposition,  because  Moses,  their  leader,  was  with- 
drawn for  a  season  about  his  proper  business.  It 
appears  that  Aaron,  although  a  chosen  minister  of 
God,  had  so  much  (may  I  not  say?)  foolish  compas- 
sion on  them,  that,  being  willing  to  do  something 
by  which  they  might  be  pacified,  he  said  to  them, 
"Break  off  the  golden  ear-rings  that  are  in  your  ears, 
and  bring  them  unto  me."  And  the  people  did  so; 
and  he  cast  them  into  the  fire,  as  he  told  .Moses,  "and 
there  came  out  this  calf"  How  strikingly  warning 
and  instructive  is  the  passage!  For  when  ministers 
feel  that  the  people  are  getting  uneasy  and  discon- 
tented with  silence,  as  supposing  their  spiritual  Mo- 
ses is  gone, — how  apt  are  some  weak  ones  to  be 
willing  to  do  something  in  their  own  strength,  like 
calling  for  the  ear-rings!  Observe,  something  apper- 
taining to  the  ears.  For  doctrines,  or  words  brought 
forth  in  our  own  time  and  strength  (when  our  spir- 
itual Moses  is  withdrawn)  can  reach  no  farther  than 


Journal  of  rufus  hall. 


73 


as  it  were  in  at  one  ear  and  out  at  the  other:  so  that 
such  preaching  is  but  like  a  ring  or  round  of  ceremo- 
ny, wanting  the  life.  Yea,  although  we  may  be  so 
eloquent  in  speech  that  the  people  may  think  high- 
ly of  us  and  of  our  doctrine,  and  speak  much  in  our 
praise,  as  they  did  of  Aaron's  calf, — yet  it  being  from 
no  higher  source  than  in  and  of  ourselves  and  our 
own  ability  as  men,  it  wants  the  true  life  of  gospel 
ministry;  and  therefore  is  no  better  than  an  idol  or 
image,  and  can  do  no  more  good  than  Aaron's  calf; 
the  making  and  worshipping  of  which  was  such  a 
transgression  in  the  Divine  sight  that  he  was  greatly 
displeased  with  them,  so  that  not  only  a  great  num- 
ber of  them  lost  their  lives,  but  Moses  also  was  so 
provoked  that  he  brake  the  two  tables  of  stone  and 
cast  them  away,  and  withal  severely  rebuked  Aaron 
for  his  folly:  insomuch  that  Israel  seemed  as  it  were 
left  in  confusion  without  law,  and  under  the  displea- 
sure of  an  offended  God.  Even  so  it  is  with  all  our 
performances  that  are  done  in  our  own  will,  strength 
and  time,  though  we  or  others  may  think  ever  so 
highly  of  them. 

12th  month  9th.  It  has  been  a  low  season  to  me, 
with  deep  poverty  of  spirit  for  some  time  past;  un- 
der which  I  have  been  led  to  inquire  into  the  cause; 
whether  the  Lord  has  withdrawn  his  presence  on 
account  of  something  I  have  heretofore  done  that  I 
ought  to  have  left  undone;  or  whether  I  have  omit- 
ted something  that  I  ought  to  have  done?  My  cou- 
rage seemed  almost  gone  at  times,  and  my  mental 
energy  nearly  spent.  It  seemed  sometimes  as  if  I 
did  but  just  breathe,  and  was  in  a  state  neither  dead 
nor  alive.  I  said  in  my  heart.  Oh!  how  long  will 
this  dispensation  continue?  Whither  is  my  Beloved 
7 


74 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


gone?  and  what  comfort  can  I  take  in  his  absence? 
But  if  this  is  for  the  trial  of  my  faith  in  him,  and  to 
prove  my  love  to  him,  let  me  get  to  my  watch-tower 
and  there  patiently  abide,  watching  and  waiting  for 
the  arising  of  his  light  and  life  in  my  soul.  Then, 
whatever  may  be  the  end  of  this  trying  season,  I 
shall  know  that  his  mercy  endures  forever — and  be 
enabled  in  his  own  time  to  give  him  the  praise,  as-- 
cribing  all  honour  and  renown  to  his  worthy  name. 

13th.  Gospel  truth  was  declared  by  a  Friend  in 
our  monthly  meeting,  greatly  to  my  strength  and 
encouragement,  and  the  little,  humble  travailers  were 
incited  to  perseverance  in  the  way  of  the  Lord.  It 
was  a  good  meeting  to  me  and  many  others — and 
some  of  us  were  made  willing  to  set  up  our  Ebenezer 
and  say.  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us. 

16th.  At  our  meeting  atEaston,our  ancient  friend 
Anne  Hoag,  who  has  been  a  long  time  silent  as  to 
public  declaration,  again  appeared  in  a  powerful  tes- 
timony in  the  life  of  the  gospel;  which  cau.sed  my 
heart  to  rejoice  and  to  be  right  glad.  After  which  a 
young  man  spoke  with  a  good  savour,  and  Anne  ap- 
peared in  supplication.  Thus,  after  a  season  of  deep 
poverty  of  spirit  to  me,  I  was  favoured  with  a  time 
of  feasting  as  on  fat  things,  greatly  to  my  refresh- 
ment and  encouragement.  Thanks  be  to  m}-  God 
forever. 

1st  mo.  lllh,  1799.  About  lliis  time  I  received  a 
letter  from  my  friend  Aaron  Brewer,  of  Upper  Ca- 
nada, which  revived  a  concern  that  had  been  on  my 
mind  for  some  weeks,  to  write  an  epistle  to  Friends 
and  friendly  people  at  and  about  the  Bay  of  Canty. 
This  being  something  new  to  me,  after  the  concern 
became  ripe,  I  thought  best  to  advise  with  some 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


75 


Friends  about  it;  being  loth  to  do  any  thing  that 
might  occasion  offence,  or  appear  like  forwardness 
in  myself.  But  after  opening  my  concern  to  my 
friends,  they  left  me  to  my  freedom  to  act  therein. 

Now  these  Friends  at  the  Bay  of  Canty  were 
mostly  new  members,  and  had  but  little  experience 
in  the  discipline  of  society;  they  had  also  lately  had 
a  preparative  meeting  settled  among  them,  and  in- 
deed more  than  a  common  preparative  meeting;  for 
they  had  liberty  to  accomplish  their  marriages  as 
though  it  was  a  monthly  meeting;  also  to  deal  with 
offenders,  but  not  to  disown  nor  receive  members 
without  the  consent  of  Nine  Partners  monthly  meet- 
ing, of  which  they  were  a  branch.  These  privi- 
leges were  given  them  by  reason  of  their  remote- 
ness from  Friends  of  Nine  Partners,  it  being  four 
hundred  miles  thence  to  the  Bay  of  Canty.  These 
circumstances,  together  with  the  great  distance  they 
were  from  experienced  Friends,  so  that  they  were 
not  likely  to  be  visited  very  often  by  such,  occasion- 
ed me  many  serious  thoughts  about  them  since  my 
late  visit  there,  which  resulted  in  the  following  essay. 

AN  EPISTLE 
To  the  Preparative  Meeting  at  Adolphus-town,  on 
the  Bay  of  Canty,  Upper  Canada. 
Dear  friends, — In  that  love  which  neither  dis- 
tance of  place,  nor  length  of  time  can  erase,  do  1  sa- 
lute you;  and  hereby  inform,  that  since  I  was  with 
you  1  have  had  cause,  in  my  serious  meditations,  to 
sympathize  with  you,  I  trust,  in  a  degree  of  feeling 
sense  of  your  remote  situation  from  Friends.  And 
lately  hearing  of  the  labours  and  service  of  the  com- 
mittee from  the  Yearly  Meeting,  it  hath  increased  my 


76 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


concern:  not  that  I  think  it  was  not  right  that  5'ou 
should  be  favoured  with  a  meeting  for  discipline  in 
some  sort,  but  because  I  discovered  among  you  di- 
vers states  that  would  be  either  made  better  by  a 
right  use  of  such  a  privilege,  or  made  worse  by  a 
wrong  use,  or  rather  the  abuse  of  it. 

Dear  friends,  it  seems  to  me  that  it  is  somewhat 
like  lighting  the  candle  for  you.  Now  no  man  light- 
eth  a  candle  and  putteth  it  under  a  bushel  or  a  bed; 
but  setteth  it  on  a  candlestick  that  all  who  are  in  the 
house  may  have  light;  which  represents  to  my  mind 
an  exertion  of  talents.  You  all  have  gifts  or  talents; 
and  some  of  you  will  have  to  stand  as  it  were  in  the 
foremost  rank,  in  order  to  hold  forth  the  light  to 
others;  and  it  may  be  too  in  a  public  way,  as  well  as 
in  a  more  private  capacity.  0  dear  friends,  be  not 
negligent;  and  say  not  in  your  hearts,  1  am  about  as 
good  as  such  or  such  an  one;  and  it  is  a  cross  to  me 
to  deal  with  another,  although  I  see  that  he  or  she 
doeth  not  right.  I  had  much  rather  some  one  else 
would  do  the  work,  for  I  think  it  would  be  better 
received  than  from  me;  and  he  or  she  is  more  capa- 
ble than  I  am.  0  dear  friends,  this  sort  of  reason- 
ing is  too  much  like  hiding  the  light  under  the  bed 
of  ease,  or  under  the  bushel  or  measure,  and  measur- 
ing ourselves  by  ourselves.  Remember,  dear  friends, 
that  it  is  said,  "The  sluggard  will  not  plough  by  rea- 
son of  the  cold;  therefore  he  shall  beg  in  harvest  and 
have  nothing;"  and  that  "  slothfulness  will  cover  a 
man  with  rags."  This  kind  of  reasoning,  I  believe, 
is  the  cunning  insinuation  of  the  enemy  of  all  good, 
and  will  bring  on  poverty  of  spirit  in  an  impercepti- 
ble manner;  and  you  may  have  to  cry  for  help  when 
it  is  too  late. 


JOUKNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


77 


Wherefore,  dear  friends,  be  aroused  and  work 
while  it  is  day,  for  the  night  cometh  wherein  no 
man  can  work.  A  disposition  to  put  off  and  make 
excuses,  serves  but  to  dim  the  little  light  we  are  fa- 
voured with;  and  by  thus  giving  way  from  time  to 
time,  the  little  sense  we  have  of  good  and  of  our  du- 
ty to  God  and  one  to  another,  at  length  becomes 
entirely  lost.  On  the  contrary,  as  we  give  diligence 
to  occupy  our  talents,  we  find  by  experience  that  the 
five  doth  gain  other  five,  the  two  other  two,  and  so 
might  the  one  as  well  in  proportion. 

1  do  not  thus  write  to  stir  up  any  thing  before  the 
right  time,  or  to  hasten  an  untimely  birth  in  any: 
for  I  am  fully  sensible  that  there  is  a  time  to  be  si- 
lent, as  well  as  a  time  to  speak;  and  to  know  the 
right  time,  and  what,  and  where  to  speak,  is  a  great 
point  of  wisdom,  which  nothing  but  the  true  light  of 
Christ  in  our  hearts  can  testify  and  explain  to  us. 

Dear  friends,  remember  the  case  of  the  impotent 
man  that  lay  at  the  pool  of  Bethesda.  It  seems 
there  was  an  angel  went  down  at  a  certain  season, 
and  troubled  the  water,  and  that  whosoever  first 
stepped  in  after  the  troubling  of  the  water,  was  cured 
of  wliatsoever  disease  he  had.  But  we  may  be  too 
fast,  as  well  as  too  slow.  Had  any  ojie  stepped  in 
before  the  troubling  of  the  water  by  the  good  angel, 
he  would  not  have  been  healed,  any  more  than  if  he 
had  not  stepped  in  after  it  was  troubled;  although 
he  might  have  felt  the  shock  of  being  plunged  into 
the  water,  but  the  qualifying  virtue  being  wanting 
no  effectual  healing  could  take  place.  We  may  also 
observe  that  there  arc  divers  causes  by  which  waters 
may  be  troubled  or  moved;  sometimes  by  wind; 
sometimes  by  casting  in  something:  but  none  of  these 


78 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


ways  of  moving  it  will  eflfect  a  cure,  short  of  the  effi- 
cacy of  the  angel's  power  or  virtue.  0  Friends, 
whoever  acts  for  God  in  the  cause  of  Truth,  must 
act  in  the  life  and  power  of  God,  or  it  will  not  re- 
dound to  his  praise.  We  may  try  all  we  can  do 
through  and  by  our  own  windy  wisdom  or  wit;  and 
may  by  our  own  strength  cast  in  something  that  may 
seem  to  agitate  the  water,  or  fan  the  flame  of  zeal  in 
our  own  minds  or  the  minds  of  others; — yet  the 
right  anointing,  the  baptizing  power  of  God,  being 
wanting,  notliing  is  done  to  profit. 

There  are  some  people  who  seem  to  have  the  bell 
to  make  a  sound,  but  not  being  furnished  with  the 
pomegranate  which  gives  the  proper  savour,  they 
make  an  uncertain  sound,  and  therefore  none  pre- 
pares for  the  spiritual  warfare.  I  greatly  desire  not 
to  discourage  any  tender  mind,  but  to  encourage 
every  opening  of  duty  that  is  in  the  light  of  Christ: 
which  light,  as  it  is  duly  attended  to,  will  show  with 
clearness,  and  distinguish  the  precious  from  the  vile. 
It  will  discover  ta  us  the  difference  between  the 
movings  of  the  angel  of  light,  and  our  own  creature- 
ly  contrivance,  in  our  religious  performances.  In  this 
way,  you  may  be  qualified  to  act  as  far  as  the  light 
dictates;  and  as  you  keep  to  this  sure  guide,  and  take 
it  for  your  moving  principle  and  rule  of  action,  you 
will  feel  true  peace  in  your  labours.  And  though 
vou  may  see  but  little  and  therefore  do  but  little,  )'et 
it  will  be  approved,  as  were  the  widow's  two  mites; 
for  "  a  living  dog  is  better  than  a  dead  lion." 

And,  dear  friends,  there  are  amongst  you  those 
that  attend  your  meetings  for  worship,  and  who  are 
partly  convinced  of  the  Truth:  and  it  is  likely  some 
of  these  are  at  times  thinking  of  joining  themselves 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


79 


as  members  of  our  religious  society.  I  greatly  de- 
sire they  may  be  tenderly  dealt  with,  and  that  you 
may  observe  a  harmless  and  innocent  openness  to- 
wards them,  with  such  a  christian  deportment  as 
shall  in  no  wise  discourage  them  or  disgust  them. 
Thus  will  you  be  enabled  to  lead  them  gently  along, 
and  be  qualified  to  feed  them  with  milk  and  not  with 
strong  meat:  and  in  thus  prudently  nourishing  the 
children,  you  will  find  in  the  Lord's  time  the  fami- 
ly of  his  house  will  flourish  and  grow  up  like  calves 
in  the  stalls;  and  others  will  flock  to  the  windows 
of  the  ark  of  God's  covenant,  like  harmless  doves. 
0  my  friends,  I  feel  a  flow  of  love  towards  others 
as  well  as  the  members  of  our  society,  I  mean  such 
especially  as  are  well  aflected  towards  Friends'  prin- 
ciples, and  attend  their  meetings,  and  have  in  some 
measure  seen  the  necessity  of  taking  up  the  cross,  so 
as  to  appear  in  a  good  degree  of  plainness  of  speech 
and  apparel.  To  such  I  would  say,  take  heed  to  your- 
selves; hide  not  your  light;  for  although  it  may  be 
known  that  you  are  not  members  of  the  society  of 
Friends,  yet  you  are  considered  as  Friends  and  num- 
bered among  them:  and  therefore  it  behoveth  you  to 
be  wise  and  exemplary  in  all  your  conduct,  lest  you 
mar  the  work  that  may  be  begun  in  others  who  yet 
make  no  visible  appearance  or  profession  of  Truth 
to  the  world.  Oh!  therefore  consider  your  standing 
and  the  necessity  of  advancing  in  the  truth.  I  appre- 
hend some  of  you  feel  somewhat  like  the  impotent 
man  that  had  lain  at  the  pool  of  Bethesda  a  long  time, 
and  thought  himself  so  unable  to  help  himself  that 
he  was  ready  to  complain,  "  I  have  no  man  to  put 
me  into  the  pool,  but  while  I  am  getting  ready, 
another  steps  in."    Oh!  may  you  remember  how 


so 


XOITRNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


be  was  healed  through  obedience  to  the  command, 
"Arise,  take  up  thy  bed  and  walk:"  and  he  arose, 
took  up  his  bed,  and  went  on  his  way.  This  was  as 
great,  or  even  a  greater  miracle  than  if  he  had  plun- 
ged into  the  pool;  for  it  was  the  word  or  power  of 
God,  and  faith  in  Christ,  that  healed  him.  Doubt- 
less, if  he  had  not  been  faithful  and  obedient  to  the 
command,  and  so  had  not  made  trial,  he  would  not 
have  been  healed.  So  likewise,  in  a  spiritual  sense, 
if  ye  are  not  faithful  to  the  sense  of  duty  given  you, 
but  reason  within  yourselves  that  ye  have  none  to 
help  you,  ye  may  lay  a  long  time,  weak,  impotent, 
and  uncured.  But,  dear  friends,  (for  I  love  you)  be 
faithful  to  the  inward  call;  take  up  your  beds  of  ease, 
and  bear  them  (though  as  a  burden  or  cross)  on  your 
shoulders,  and  suffer  not  them  (or  that  easy,  reason- 
ing disposition)  to  hinder  you  any  longer.  Arise, 
and  walk;  or  go  forward  in  the  faith  and  light  of  the 
Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world : 
that  so  ye  may  obtain  peace  and  rest  at  last,  when 
time  shall  be  no  more. 

So  wisheth,  so  prayeth,  one  that  travails  in  spirit, 
in  his  measure,  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  and  the 
enlargement  of  her  borders,  your  friend, 

RuFus  Hall. 

HuHon,  Washington  county,  state  of  ) 
New  York,  16</i  of  1st  mo.  1799.  \ 

The  10th  of  the  2nd  month,  was  a  day  of  deliver- 
ance to  my  tried  mind;  for  I  had  been  under  much 
exercise  for  some  time  past,  on  account  of  several 
of  my  own  children  who  had  arrived  at  years  of  ma- 
turity, and  had  become  very  negligent  about  attend- 
ing our  religious  meetings.  Notwithstanding  the- 
frequent  admonitions  extended  to  them,  they  seenx- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


81 


ed  to  think  there  was  no  need  of  going  to  meeting 
so  constantly  as  I  thought  necessary.  My  way  has 
also  seemed  to  be  much  closed  up  in  public  meetings, 
as  to  the  ministry;  which  has  occasioned  deep  search- 
ing of  heart,  like  going  down  to  the  bottom  of  Jor- 
dan. But  to-day,  light  again  arose,  and  I  was  so  fa- 
voured with  Divine  assistance  in  my  public  testimony 
in  our  meeting  at  Easton,  that  it  seemed  like  bring- 
ing up  stones  of  memorial.  As  I  was  returning  home, 
I  was  overtaken  by  a  serious  young  Friend  who  was 
going  to  my  house  to  visit  my  delinquent  sons.  This 
caused  my  heart  to  leap  for  joy;  as  I  had  for  some 
time  been  desirous  that  some  Friends  might  feel  a 
sense  of  duty  to  make  them  a  religious  visit  on  that 
account.  He  had  a  very  satisfactory  opportunity 
with  my  family,  and  gave  good  advice  to  my  chil- 
dren; which  was  a  relief  to  my  mind. 

I  am  renewedly  made  sensible  that  my  great  and 
good  Master  is  leading  me  about  and  instructing  me 
in  some  very  profitable  lessons  of  dependance  on 
himself  alone;  showing  me  clearly  that  his  own  time 
is  by  far  the  best  time  to  bring  about  his  own  work. 
But  Oh!  how  necessary  is  true  patience  in  all  our 
trials,  and  a  watchful  care  that  no  murmuring  dis- 
position prevail  in  us,  while  under  the  baptizing 
hand! 

At  our  Quarterly  meeting  held  at  Easton,  there 
were  some  things  close  and  exercising;  but  all  ended 
in  unity  and  satisfaction;  which  is  the  crown  of  our 
meetings  for  discipline:  for  while  Friends  honestly 
labour  in  the  spirit  of  unity  which  is  the  bond  of 
harmony  and  peace,  and  act  purely  for  the  honour 
of  God  in  all  their  offerings,  they  will  hardly  miss 
of  comfort  and  consolation  therein.    Dear  Hugh 


82 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


Judge,  of  New  York,  attended  the  public  meeting 
next  day  and  had  good  service,  both  in  testimony 
and  supplication. 

Towards  the  latter  end  of  the  2nd  month,  I  was 
again  brought  into  a  state  of  great  poverty  of  spirit; 
in  which  my  mind  seemed  shut  up  or  hedged  in  on 
every  side.  But  I  endeavoured  to  be  as  cheerful  as 
I  could, — to  exercise  patience,  and  to  be  thankful  for 
the  crumbs  that  might  fall  from  the  Master's  table. 
After  this,  at  our  week-day  meeting,  I  was  strength- 
ened to  sound  an  alarm  to  my  friends;  reminding 
them  of  the  uncertainty  of  time,  and  that  our  next 
station  will  be  in  eternity,  where  we  shall  all  be  re- 
warded according  to  our  works.  A  due  considera- 
tion of  this  awful  subject,  seems  enough  to  arouse  the 
most  stupid  and  careless  mind. 

At  our  monthly  meeting  about  the  middle  of  the 
3d  month,  my  wife  and  1-,  with  several  other  Friends, 
were  appointed  to  attend  a  meeting,  requested  by 
Friends  to  be  held  for  six  months  at  a  place  called 
Thirman's  patent.  In  company  with  Simeon  Brow- 
nell,  we  set  out  in  a  sleigh  on  the  ISth,  and  reached 
Queensbury  that  day,  it  being  about  thirty  miles.— 
Next  day,  taking  in  Lydia  Southwick,  we  went  on  to 
Thirman's  patent,  about  twenty-six  miles,  and  lodged 
at  the  house  of  our  friend  Peleg  Tripp.  The  day  foU 
lowing,  we  attended  the  meeting,  which  was  held  at 
Charles  Leggett's.  It  was  a  favoured  opportunity, 
which  I  think  will  not  soon  be  forgotten;  in  which 
a  door  of  utterance  was  opened  to  declare  the  gospel 
of  peace  in  the  power  and  demonstration  of  the  spirit. 
On  our  way  home,  we  attended  Queensbury  mid- 
week meeting  to  satisfaction. 

4th  mo.  14th.  I  have  had  an  excellent  meeting  to- 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


83 


day,  although  nearly  silent,  except  a  short  but  live- 
ly testimony  from  our  friend  Abiel  GifTord.  Many 
times  have  I  been  convinced  and  satisfied,  that  good 
and  profitable  meetings  consist  not  merely  in  abun- 
dance of  preaching  and  praying;  but  more  properly 
in  turning  our  minds  inward  to  our  own  gifts,  and 
meditating  on  the  law  of  God  written  in  the  heart; 
putting  no  trust  in  man  whose  breath  is  in  his  nos- 
trils, nor  even  so  much  as  wishing  to  hear  preach- 
ing; but  desiring  to  be  fed  with  the  sincere  milk  of 
the  Wordj  or  the  bread  of  life  that  comes  directly 
from  God  himself.  While  the  mind  is  thus  exercis- 
ed, it  is  in  a  teachable  situation;  and  as  it  patiently 
waits,  it  becomes  rightly  prepared  to  receive  the  best 
of  teaching  in  the  Lord's  own  way  and  time, — whe- 
ther it  be  through  his  own  immediate  influence  and 
operation  on  the  mind,  or  by  and  through  his  instru- 
ments, by  means  of  the  organ  of  the  outward  ear. — 
But  until  men  and  women  come  to  witness  this  great 
truth  in  themselves,  I  believe  they  never  will  be 
much  profited  by  all  their  going  to  meeting,  search- 
ing the  scriptures,  or  hearing  preaching  and  praying: 
And  I  have  this  testimony  to  bear  to  all  professors 
of  religion,  as  the  truth  of  God  in  whom  is  no  varia- 
bleness nor  shadow  of  turning. 

But  Oh!  the  loss  that  many  sustain  (and  may  I  not 
say  through  ignorance)  by  suffering  their  minds  to  be 
so  outward,  as  to  suppose  that  Divine  worship  cannot 
be  acceptably  performed  without  the  vocal  sound  of 
words;  being  unacquainted  with  that  silent  spiritual 
worship  which  is  performed  in  the  heart,  by  and 
through  the  power  of  God  influencing  thereto. — 
These  spiritual  worshippers  individually  know  and 
feel  this  power  of  the  holy  Spirit  operating  in  their 


84 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


own  hearts,  to  animate,  enlighten  and  inform  them 
of  a  truth  that  God  is  a  spirit,  and  they  that  worship 
him  must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  They 
also  come  to  know  that  where  two  or  three  are  ga- 
thered into  his  name  or  power,  there  he  is  in  the 
midst  of  them;  even  in  the  midst  of  their  own  souls. 

Many  there  are  in  the  world,  even  sincere-hearted 
people,  who  are  trained  up  from  youth  to  old  age,  by 
their  teachers  and  ministers,  in  the  belief  that  such 
can  preach  at  all  times;  and  that  they  must  do  so,  or 
there  can  be  no  meeting  of  worship  that  will  be  ac- 
ceptable to  God.  Thus,  by  looking  outward,  and  not 
accustoming  themselves  to  feel  after  God  and  his 
goodness  moving  in  their  own  hearts,  their  inward 
eye  becomes  so  dimmed  as  not  to  see  for  themselves; 
and  they  are  led  by  others  to  believe  that  there  is  no 
such  thing  as  inward,  spiritual  worship  to  be  attain- 
ed; although  Christ  declared  that  "  the  hour  cometh 
and  now  is,  when  the  true  worshippers  shall  worship 
the  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth;  for  the  Father  seek- 
eth  such  to  worship  him."  Yet  they  say  the  scrip- 
ture is  their  rule  in  these  things.  But  is  not  this  such 
ignorance  as  God  complained  of  by  the  mouth  of  his 
prophet  Hosea,  when  he  said,  "  My  people  are  de- 
stroyed for  lack  of  knowledge:  because  thou  hast  re- 
jected knowledge,  therefore  I  will  reject  thee,  that 
thou  shalt  be  no  priest  to  me:  seeing  thou  hast  for- 
gotten the  law  of  thy  God,  I  will  also  forget  thy 
children."  A  sharp  reproof  indeed,  to  Israel  in  that 
day!  but  may  it  not  be  as  applicable  now,  seeing  we 
live  in  a  more  glorious  day  of  gospel  light?  For,  if 
we  are  really  believers  in  the  gospel,  we  know  (as 
said  an  eminent  apostle)  that  "it  is  the  power  of  God 
unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth."   But  it 


JOURNAL  oy  RtrPUS  HALL. 


85 


is  true  that  "  the  grace  of  God  which  bringeth  sal- 
vation, hath  appeared  unto  all  men;"  and  the  true 
believers  in  that  grace  can  say  as  the  apostle  did, 
"  teaching  us,  that  denying  ungodliness  and  worldly 
lusts,  we  should  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly 
in  this  present  world;  looking  for  that  blessed  hope 
and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God  and  our 
saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  who  gave  himself  for  us,  that 
he  might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  un- 
to himself  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works." 

Surely,  such  privileges  freely  offered,  if  neglected 
by  any  of  us,  will  be  of  no  avail;  but  we  shall  justly 
deserve  the  same  rebuke  as  those  of  old  who  reject- 
ed knowledge,  and  forgot  the  law  of  their  God.  But, 
is  it  not  mournful,  in  this  day  of  gospel  light,  to  see 
whole  families,  yea,  almost  whole  nations,  so  much 
under  the  dark  vail  of  priestcraft,  as  to  believe  and 
follow  those  who  teach  for  hire  and  preach  for  mo- 
ney, and  who  tell  the  people  that  they  must  listen  to 
them,  even  from  one  age  to  another,  and  that  there 
is  no  way  to  come  to  the  knowledge  of  God  and  of 
their  duty  to  him,  but  by  giving  heed  to  what  they 
say?  Many  of  these  hireling  teachers  say  that  im- 
mediate Divine  revelation  has  ceased,  and  that  peo- 
ple must  come  to  them  to  be  taught,  and  that  they 
have  more  knowledge  of  the  scriptures  than  com- 
mon men,  which  they  have  attained  by  their  college 
education.  Thus,  many  are,  as  it  were,  pinning  their 
faith  on  the  priests'  sleeves,  and  paying  them  again 
and  again  for  their  learning;  and  yet  are  never  able 
thereby  to  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Truth. — 
So,  in  one  sense,  it  may  be  said,  the  Lord  hath  re- 
jected them  and  their  children;  and  it  hath  come  to 
pass  as  formerly,  that  "  like  people,  like  priest." 
8 


86 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


At  our  Quarterly  meeting  in  the  5Xh  month,  the 
weighty  affairs  that  came  before  us  were  transacted 
in  a  spirit  of  unity  and  christian  condescension.  A 
monthly  meeting  was  granted  Friends  at  Peru,  for 
one  year,  to  be  held  under  the  notice  of  a  commit- 
tee. Saratoga  monthly  meeting  also  proposed  that 
a  meeting  be  settled  at  Greenfield;  on  which  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  visit  Friends  of  that  place, 
and  report  thereon. 

On  the  14th  of  the  6th  month,  our  dear  friend  and 
neighbour,  Daniel  Cornell,  was  taken  unwell  some- 
what suddenly,  supposed  to  be  a  touch  of  apoplexy: 
he  continued  poorly  for  several  days,  in  which  time 
I  went  to  see  him.  He  seemed  perfectly  sensible, 
and  said  he  had  been  taking  a  serious  review  of  his 
past  life; — that  although  he  discovered  some  things 
he  had  done  and  some  he  had  omitted  in  his  younger 
years,  and  thought  if  he  had  been  more  faithful,  he 
might  have  been  more  serviceable  to  mankind,  yet 
he  could  not  find  that  any  thing  now  lay  as  a  charge 
against  him.  So  that  if  it  was  the  Lord's  will  to 
remove  him  at  this  time,  he  did  not  know  that  he 
should  be  better  prepared;  also  said  he  was  ready, 
and  was  not  afraid  to  die. 

After  this,  although  he  got  so  much  better  as  to  be 
able  to  walk  about,  and  even  to  go  out  to  his  fields, 
and  his  neighbours  and  family  seemed  encouraged  to 
hope  for  his  recovery,  yet  by  several  hints  he  drop- 
ped, it  appeared  he  had  a  secret  sense  that  his  time 
here  would  be  short.  He,  however,  seemed  to  be 
mending  till  the  20th,  a  little  after  sunset,  when  he 
said  he  thought  he  felt  as  well  as  he  had  done  for 
some  considerable  time  past,  except  weakness.  He 
vvent  to  bed  early;  and  in  a  few  minutes  after,  said 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


87 


he  thought  hia  disorder  was  returning  upon  him.  He 
then  said,  "  Oh!  my  head,  how  distressed  it  feels!" 
and  closed  his  eyes;  passing  away  without  sigh  or 
groan,  or  even  moving  a  hand  or  foot. 

For  some  years  before  his  death,  he  appeared  to 
live  under  a  sense  of  the  uncertainty  of  his  time  here; 
saying  he  believed  his  time  was  short;  and  that  he 
did  not  expect  to  have  more  than  one  spell  of  sick- 
ness, which  he  thought  would  conclude  his  days;  and 
which  has  so  come  to  pass.  And  now  this  testimony 
lives  in  my  heart  concerning  him,  as  a  debt  due  to  his 
good  name  and  the  character  which  he  bore  among 
us.  Having  been  acquainted  with  him  as  a  near 
neighbour  for  more  than  twenty  years,  I  can  say,  he 
was  a  man  generally  beloved  by  all  that  knew  him; 
being  of  a  mild,  condescending  disposition,  and  a 
great  lover  of  peace  and  harmony,  both  in  society 
and  among  his  neighbours.  He  was  a  steady  attender 
of  our  religious  meetings,  and  a  good  example  when 
there,  sitting  very  still  and  solid,  with  his  mind  com- 
posed during  the  time  of  meeting.  He  was  careful 
always  to  be  there  in  good  season;  and  I  think  I 
never  observed  him  to  be  late  in  coming,  during 
these  twenty  years  past.  He  said  if  any  thing  hap- 
pened so  that  he  could  not  get  to  meeting  in  good 
season,  he  would  rather  not  go,  lest  he  should  dis- 
turb the  solemnity  of  the  meeting;  a  feeling  which 
he  greatly  prized  when  there,  and  chose  rather  to  be 
deprived  of  it  himself  than  to  mar  it  in  others.  He 
was  seldom  absent  from  any  of  our  meetings;  but  if 
he  necessarily  missed  being  there,  he  preferred  it 
should  be  on  a  first-day,  rather  than  on  a  week-day 
meeting.  He  was  also  of  a  very  condescending  dis- 
position when  matters  went  contrary  to  his  mind  in 


88 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


our  meetings  for  discipline,  aS  well  as  on  other  oc- 
casions. 

In  his  dealings  amongst  men,  he  was  very  honest 
and  punctual,  always  paying  his  debts  in  due  season; 
and  choosing  rather  to  overpay  than  fall  short  one 
penny.  I  have  several  times  observed  him  to  spend 
some  time  in  going  about  among  his  neighbours  and 
mechanics  to  settle  and  pay  up  small  debts,  perhaps 
not  more  than  a  shilling  or  two  in  a  place.  He  Avas 
also  very  industrious  in  his  outward  business,  and  so 
prudent  in  laying  it  out  that  he  generally  got  through 
in  good  season,  and  often  before  his  neighbours.  He 
used  to  say  that  people  too  often  undertook  too  much 
work  for  the  real  comfort  of  body  or  mind.  Being 
of  a  charitable  disposition,  he  always  gave  something 
to  the  poor,  according  to  his  ability,  for  their  help 
and  support,  both  in  society  and  elsewhere,  as  occa- 
sions required. 

By  his  two  wives,  he  had  fifteen  children;  most 
of  whom  lived  to  the  age  of  men  and  women,  and 
were  married  and  settled  before  his  death:  so  that 
he  and  his  last  wife  passed  several  years  of  the  latter 
part  of  his  time  in  a  very  agreeable,  retired  manner, 
on  a  small  farm  of  his  own,  which,  through  his  in- 
dustry, produced  plentifully  for  them,  and  some  to 
spare.  He  often  expressed  his  thankfulness  that  he 
was  so  favoured  as  to  have  a  sufficiency  of  his  own 
to  live  on,  after  a  long  and  tedious  struggle  to  pro- 
vide for  and  bring  up  a  large  family. 

I  thought  it  would  be  a  great  pity  that  such  an  ex- 
ample should  be  forgotten,  and  have  therefore  pen- 
ned these  lines  that  it  might  rather  be  kept  in  re- 
membrance, so  that  those  who  survive  may  be  ex- 
cited to  copy  after  it. 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


89 


6th  month  23d.  I  have  now  had  several  weeks  of 
rest,  in  which  I  have  enjoyed  my  bodily  health  bet- 
ter than  usual;  I  have  also  had  divers  good  and  com- 
fortable times  in  meetings,  though  mostly  silent. — 
Oh!  that  all  within  me  that  has  any  remains  of  self- 
ishness may  be  done  away  and  entirely  subdued,  is 
the  desire  of  my  soul;  so  that  when  my  Lord  cometh, 
1  may  be  found  ready  and  willing  to  obey  his  re- 
quirings,  whether  in  life  or  in  death. 

On  the  3rd  of  the  7th  month,  I  set  out  to  go  to 
Oxford  to  see  my  son  Samuel;  and  next  day  passed 
through  the  town  of  Schenectady,  where  there  was 
a  great  stir,  and  abundance  of  people  flocking  in  from 
all  quarters.  The  bells  were  ringing  and  guns  firing; 
and  a  little  after  I  got  through,  the  cannon  roared 
like  thunder,  so  that  I  was  in  danger  of  being  thrown 
from  my  horse  by  his  jumping.  But  I  was  preserved 
unhurt,  and  felt  thankful  to  the  great  Preserver  of 
men.  Oh!  the  deep-rooted  superstition,  blindness 
and  idolatry  of  multitudes  of  people,  who  rejoice  in 
this  way  for  what  has  been  brought  about  by  the 
shedding  of  human  blood  and  the  loss  of  many  lives! 
Yet  those  who  thus  glory  therein  profess  to  be  fol- 
lowers of  the  peaceable  Saviour  who  came  to  put  an 
end  to  contention,  and  strife,  and  war;  and  command- 
ed his  followers  to  love  their  enemies,  and  do  good 
to  them  that  hated  them. 

6th.  I  reached  Otego,  and  was  at  their  meeting 
next  day;  where  I  met  with  our  friends.  Trip  Mosher 
from  Nine  Partners,  and  David  Haight  from  New 
Britain,  on  a  religious  visit  to  the  westward.  They 
had  an  appointed  meeting  in  the  afternoon,  to  which 
I  stayed.  Here  I  met  my  brother  Green  Hall,  and 
went  with  him  to  Oxford  next  day.  Felt  thankful' 
8* 


90 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


on  finding  my  son  and  his  family  in  good  health. — 
After  staying  two  nights,  I  set  out  with  my  brother 
and  his  wife,  in  order  to  find  a  Friend  who  removed 
from  Easton  last  winter  to  somewhere  in  this  wil- 
derness country.  In  riding  about  twenty  miles,  and 
making  inquiry,  we  found  them;  and  the  Friend  was 
so  much  rejoiced  at  seeing  us  that  she  could  hardly 
speak;  having  lived  there  several  months  in  the  new 
country,  remote  from  Friends  and  among  strangers. 
She  told  us  she  had  heard  of  two  other  families  of 
Friends,  lately  come  to  settle  in  the  woods,  about 
six  miles  ofl";  but  as  yet  had  seen  none  of  them.  So, 
leaving  my  brother  and  his  wife  to  accompany  her  in 
endeavouring  to  find  and  visit  them,  I  set  out  home- 
wards, and  travelled  through  a  new  settled  country, 
and  down  the  Mohawk,  by  Mayfield,  to  my  brother^ 
in-law,  John  Hoxsie's,  at  Galvvay.  Next  day,  being 
first-day,  attended  the  meeting  at  Greenfield,  where 
I  met  with  several  PViends  under  appointment  of  our 
Quarterly  meeting  to  visit  Friends  of  this  place.  The 
day  following,  we  had  a  select  opportunity  with  them 
to  good  satisfaction,  and  I  hope  it  was  a  strengthen- 
ing season  to  some  of  them. 

Having  had  it  on  my  mind  for  some  months  past,, 
to  have  a  meeting  about  six  miles  northward  of  this 
place,  and  my  friend  Joseph  Wilbur  being  willing 
to  join  me  in  the  concern,  we  appointed  one  to  be 
held  next  day.  It  proved  to  be  a  favoured  and  good 
meeting,  in  which  gospel  doctrine  flowed  freely  to 
the  tendering  of  many  hearts.  After  which,  I  reach- 
ed Thomas  Wilbur's  at  Saratoga,  and  was  at  their 
meeting  next  day;  and  thence  home,  where  I  found 
my  wife  and  family  all  well, — for  which  I  felt  a 
thankful  heart.    In  this  journey,  I  was  from  honje 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


91 


two  weeks,  and  travelled  nearly  three  hundred 
miles. 

25th.  Our  meeting  at  Easton  was  a  memorable 
one.  Oh!  how  gloriously  did  the  Father  of  all  our 
mercies  appear  for  our  help  and  encouragement;  al- 
though the  number  gathered  was  small,  I  suppose, 
by  reason  of  its  being  a  very  busy  time  of  year,  or 
harvest  time;  yet  1  thought  who  would  willingly 
miss  of  so  great  a  favour  as  we  then  enjoyed!  Who 
would  not  lose  a  little  time  out  of  their  meadows  or 
wheat-fields,  if  they  could  thus  witness  the  presence 
of  the  Almighty  owning  them,  to  the  tendering  and 
cementing  them  together  in  his  love?  Read  this,  ye 
careless  ones,  and  yoa  that  can  easily  stay  at  home 
for  fear  your  work  may  suffer  a  little,  if  you  attend 
meetings  in  the  middle  of  the  week,  or  other  days 
when  you  usually  labour.  Doth  not  the  heavenly 
riches  that  is  gained  by  giving  up  the  time  at  such 
seasons  as  these,  fully  compensate  for  the  time  so 
spent;  even  although  it  may  sometimes  happen,  that 
some  little  loss  of  property  may  befal  us?  It  appears 
to  me,  however,  that  he  or  she  that  prefers  staying 
at  home  to  work  (instead  of  going  to  meeting)  for 
fear  of  a  little  outward  loss,  may  justly  be  termed  an 
idol-worshipper.  For  whatsoever  we  set  our  heart 
upon  that  is  outward  and  transitory,  is  our  idol;  and 
the  sin  of  idolatry  is  said  to  be  like  the  sin  of  witch- 
craft. And  indeed  what  is  more  bewitching?  I  know 
by  some  experience  that  when  I  have,  through  un- 
watchfulness,  given  way  to  some  small  discourage- 
ment, or  through  a  faithless  disposition  been  induced 
to  stay  at  home  on  a  meeting  day,  I  have  generally 
found  it  harder  to  give  up  to  go  the  next  meeting 
day; — some  greater  obstacle  would  arise  than  before; 


92 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL, 


or  it  would  seem  more  difficult  for  me  to  leave  home. 
So  that  to  me  it  is  a  plain  demonstration  of  falling 
away  or  declining  from  our  first  love;  and  then  by- 
degrees  we  become  lukewarm,  neither  hot  nor  cold, 
and  may  continue  so  until  the  candlestick  is  removed 
and  we  left  in  total  darkness.  For  when  the  Lord's 
merciful  visitation  is  past  and  gone,  we  may  cry  for 
help,  but  in  vain;  the  answer  will  be,  Depart  from 
me,  ye  workers  of  iniquity;  I  know  you  not. 

Oh!  be  ye  warned,  ye  careless  ones;  be  persuaded 
to  more  diligence,  in  order  that  ye  may  partake  of 
Divine  favour,  and  accept  of  his  mercies  before  it  is 
too  late. 

26th.  Set  out  from  home,  and  went  with  Joseph 
Wilbur  to  attend  the  meeting  at  Thirman's  patent; 
being  under  appointment  from  our  monthly  meet- 
ing: went  as  far  as  Queensbury,  and  lodged  at  Daniel 
Hull's.  Next  day,  reached  Charles  Leggett's,  where 
the  meeting  was  held  the  day  following.  Some  dul- 
ness  was  felt  in  the  fore  part;  but  the  Lord's  power 
prevailed  to  the  refreshment  of  us  all.  In  the  after- 
noon we  visited  a  Friend  and  his  family,  whose  wife 
bad  lately  had  an  operation  performed  on  one  of  her 
eyes  by  reason  of  a  cancer.  She  had  som.e  time  be- 
fore been  baptized  in  water,  and  was  now  under  ex- 
ercise of  mind.  A  religious  opportunity  with  them 
proved  to  be  a  time  of  Divine  favour,  in  which  coun- 
sel flowed  freely  to  the  tendering  and  melting  of  us 
together;  so  that  we  gave  God  the  glory  on  the  bend- 
ed knee  of  body  and  mind  in  a  most  solemn  manner. 
Oh!  the  wonderful  goodness  of  the  Lord  to  us  that 
day!  May  my  soul  never  forget  it,  even  in  my  low- 
est and  most  dejected  seasons.  Amen. 

Next  day  we  had  a  meeting  among  the  Baptists,, 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


93 


about  four  miles  distance.  The  people  were  civil, 
and  heard  us  patiently;  but  they  appeared  to  be  so 
fixed  in  their  notions  of  water-baptism,  election  and 
reprobation,  that  I  fear  our  labour  will  not  have  the 
desired  effect.  Yet  we  felt  willing  to  leave  the  event 
to  the  Lord,  as  knowing  it  is  he  that  doeth  all  in  all 
that  will  ever  redound  to  his  glory.  The  day  follow- 
ing, we  had  a  meeting  among  the  Methodists  at  the 
house  of  William  Bond,  in  which  I  was  silent;  but 
Joseph  was  largely  drawn  forth  in  testimony  and 
supplication,  greatly  to  the  tendering  of  the  people. 
May  it  have  a  lasting  effect  on  their  minds.  After 
this  meeting  we  came  to  Queensbury,  and  lodged  at 
the  house  of  an  old  professor  of  Friends'  principles. 
In  the  morning  we  had  a  sitting  with  the  family,  in 
which  Joseph  had  close  labour  in  order  to  stir  them 
up  to  a  sense  of  their  duty.  So  we  left  them  to  the 
Lord,  and  went  to  see  Mary  Cornell,  widow  of  the 
late  Daniel  Cornell,  who  lived  with  her  son  Benjamin. 
Although  it  was  the  height  of  wheat  harvest,  and  he 
had  a  large  number  of  men  at  work  in  the  field,  who 
were  very  noisy,  they  being  of  the  looser  sort,  and 
he  not  a  member  among  Friends,  yet  he  readily  con- 
sented to  sit  with  us  to  wait  on  the  Lord,  who  was 
graciously  pleased  to  break  in  upon  our  minds,  so 
that  notwithstanding  the  noise  and  hurry  without, 
we  became  calm  and  composed,  as  tho'  all  was  still. 
A  blessed  time  we  had  together,  in  which  Joseph 
was  led  along  by  degrees  into  much  counsel  and  ad- 
vice, to  the  tendering  of  us  all. 

8th  mo.  1st.  We  attended  the  meeting  at  Queens- 
bury,  it  being  their  preparative  meeting,  and  had 
some  service  therein  to  satisfaction.  After  which 
we  set  off  home,  and  reached  Joseph  Wilbur's  that 


94 


JOURNAL  OP  RUPUS  HALL. 


night;  and  next  day  I  arrived  at  my  own  habitation, 
having  been  absent  one  week. 

29th.  Have  had  a  very  low  time  of  late,  in  which 
I  sometimes  was  almost  ready  to  think  I  had  lost 
sight  of  my  good  guide;  then  again  something  has 
occurred  which  strengthened  me  to  persevere  in  the 
faith. 

9th  mo.  8th.  Greatly  favoured  in  public  testimo- 
ny at  the  meeting  held  at  Newtown,  among  the  few 
Friends  of  that  place,  and  some  Methodists  and  Bap- 
tists. Thanks  be  to  God  forever  and  ever. 

10th  mo.  24th.  It  hath  been  my  lot  of  late  mostly 
to  sit  in  silence  in  our  meetings  atEaston;  yet  I  have 
often  felt  the  sweet  influence  of  Divine  goodness  to 
flow  in  my  mind,  greatly  to  my  satisfaction;  convin- 
cing and  confirming  me  that  silent  meetings,  right- 
ly improved,  are  the  best  meetings,  and  most  to  the 
real  benefit  of  religiously  exercised  minds:  because 
the  Lord  himself  is  the  alone  teacher,  and  his  teach- 
ings are  so  plain  and  easy  to  be  understood,  (being 
the  immediate  impressions  made  on  the  mind  by  his 
Divine  love  and  power)  that  they  are  not  soon  erased, 
and  always  produce  an  evidence  of  their  truth  that 
cannot  be  denied  without  offering  violence  to  the 
conscience.  This  inward  Divine  teaching  shows  each 
one  what  is  to  be  done,  and  what  omitted:  but  there 
is  a  certain  something  in  us  that  ought  to  be  guard- 
ed against,  (I  may  call  it  self)  which  seems  to  sug- 
gest many  things  to  us  as  difficulties;  so  that  by  giv- 
ing way  to  its  serpentine  reasonings,  we  are  often 
hindered  from  doing  what  we  are  thus  shown  we 
ought  to  do.  Here  we  find  the  cross,  and  when  we 
stumble  at  it,  so  that  we  omit  or  neglect  to  do  what 
is  required  of  us,  our  minds  do  not  feel  solid  peace; 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


95 


but  rather  a  doubt  or  condemnation,  and  fearful  look- 
ing for  of  judgment  from  one  that  we  cannot  escape. 

But  men  and  women  may  come  together  under  a 
profession  of  spiritual  worship,  and  by  their  beha- 
viour and  sitting  in  meeting,  may  deceive  one  an- 
other: but  it  is  impossible  for  them  to  deceive  God, 
for  he  seeth  the  most  hidden  recesses  of  the  heart. 
When  people  come  to  meeting,  and  sit  with  their 
heads  hanging  down  so  that  their  chin  touches  their 
bosom,  with  their  eye  lids  drawn  together,  and  per- 
haps nodding,  the  prospect  is  gloomy  indeed:  but 
they  are  not  very  likely  to  deceive  others,  for  they 
openly  show  that  their  case  is  a  deplorable  one. — 
Again,  when  we  discover  persons  sitting  upright  and 
still,  with  cheerful  but  listless  countenances  that  show 
they  have  little  or  no  inward,  religious  concern  of 
mind,  truly  I  have  thought  their  state  was  little  bet- 
ter than  the  former.  Although  they  may  deceive 
men,  yet  they  cannot  deceive  the  Searcher  of  hearts, 
who  requires  a  living  exercise  of  soul  in  order  to 
worship  him  acceptably. 

There  are  those  who  are  sometimes  tried  with 
drowsiness,  stupidity  and  dulness  in  meetings,  but 
who  manifestly  wrestle  and  strive  to  overcome  this 
heavy  disposition,  without  giving  out:  of  these  there 
is  hope  of  their  overcoming  and  doing  well,  notwith- 
standing it  may  be  very  trying  and  exercising  to 
them;  and  such  ought  to  be  encouraged  to  persever- 
ance, not  giving  out  in  the  time  of  this  close  conflict. 
As  long  as  pain  is  felt,  there  certainly  must  be  some 
life;  and  while  they  continue  to  struggle  against  this 
weakness  and  to  desire  to  feel  the  life,  the  Lord  will 
not  leave  them;  but  in  his  own  time  he  will  in  mercy 
come  to  their  relief,  and  give  them  a  crown  of  victo- 


96 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFTJS  HALL. 


ry  and  glory,  if  they  hold  out  to  the  end  in  faithful- 
ness. 

But  there  is  a  more  encouraging  state,  when  peo- 
ple sit  still  and  upright,  with  lively  countenances, 
indicating  that  their  minds  are  favoured  with  the 
Divine  presence,  or  a  right  exercise,  which  animates 
them  so  that  when  they  observe  any  in  the  above- 
mentioned  conditions,  they  are  filled  with  pity  and 
tender  compassion  for  them.  This  often  leads  to 
fervent  desires  that  they  may  be  aroused  to  a  sense 
of  their  state, — and  that  such  as  have  some  sense  of 
their  own  tried  condition,  may  continue  to  wrestle  till 
the  day-spring  from  on  high,  or  "  the  sun  of  righte- 
ousness arises  with  healing  in  his  wings,"  and  so 
animates  and  strengthens  them  as  to  give  them  the 
victory.  These  are  the  genuine  products  of  rightly 
exercised  minds.  They  are  not  only  made  joyful  in 
the  house  of  prayer;  but  are  filled  with  substantial 
peace  which  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take 
away.  They  are  so  filled  with  love  and  good  will 
to  all,  that  ardent  desires  are  felt  for  all  mankind, 
that  they  may  experience  the  living  sense  and  bene- 
fit of  spiritual  worship  in  and  for  themselves.  Oh! 
how  truly  helpful  and  strengthening  to  one  another, 
are  such  spiritual  worshippers!  At  the  same  time 
they  feel  their  own  strength  to  be  renewed  in  the 
best  sense, — this  inward  exercise  of  mind  is  often 
felt,  as  it  were,  to  run  from  vessel  to  vessel,  to  the 
refreshing  of  many;  so  that  sometimes  whole  meet- 
ings have  been  affected  by  it.  Thus,  through  the 
honest  persevering  labour  in  spirit  of  a  few,  assisted 
by  the  influence  of  Divine  Goodness,  light  and  life 
arise  and  spread,  and  we  are  favoured  to  have  good 
and  profitable  meetings. 


Journal  of  rufus  hall. 


l6th  of  nth  month.  Silence  is  still  my  lot  in  our 
meetings,  hut  the  Divine  presence  is  often  witnessed, 
with  openings  of  Truth  very  clear  to  my  understand- 
ing; yet  unless  I  feel  the  word  of  command  to  deliver 
them  to  the  people,  Oh!  may  I  keep  the  word  of  his 
patience  until  he  hy  his  own  power  giveth  tongue 
and  utterance;  so  that  when  I  speak,  it  may  be  to  his 
honour  and  praise. 

28th.  At  our  meeting  to-day  was  a  marriage,  which 
drew  many  people  together,  who  were  not  accustom- 
ed to  come  to  our  meetings.  But  coldness  of  mind 
seemed  to  prevail — very  little  life  was  to  be  felt,  and 
the  people  seemed  uneasy,  gazing  upon  one  another. 
After  awhile  a  Friend  stood  up  and  said  a  few  words, 
which  seemed  to  have  little  effect.  Another  follow- 
ed him,  with  a  few  expressions,  to  little  purpose.  He 
rose  a  second  and  a  third  time,  before  life  rose  into 
dominion,  and  the  flock  were  watered.  Thanks  be 
to  the  heavenly  Shepherd  forever;  for  it  was  all  of 
his  mercy. 

In  the  12th  month,  I  set  out  with  my  wife  to  visit 
my  son  atOxford,and  other  relations;  and  we  thought 
right  to  fall  in  with  Friends'  meetings  by  the  way: 
Were  at  Duanesburg  on  a  first-day,  in  which  I  was 
largely  led  forth  in  testimony  with  clearness  of  ut- 
terance, to  my  own  satisfaction  and  thankfulness  to 
the  great  Helper  of  his  faithful  children.  We  stay- 
ed about  a  week  with  my  brother  and  son  at  Oxford, 
and  on  the  first  day  of  the  year  1800,  set  out  for  Nine 
Partners  and  Beekman-town,  to  visit  our  ancient  fa- 
ther and  mother,  Hoxsie.  On  our  way,  we  attended 
Coeymans'  meeting  on  first-day,  where  I  had  good 
service.  That  night  we  lodged  at  Levi  Hoag's;  he 
and  his  wife  were  both  public  Friends.  In  the  even- 
9 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


ing,  I  went  with  them  to  see  a  sick  man  who  was 
low  in  spirit,  having  fallen  under  great  discourage- 
ments. He  was  not  a  Friend,  but  had  requested  a 
visit.  When  we  came  to  the  house  many  of  his  neigh- 
bours were  there,  and  he  desired  we  would  have  a 
sitting  with  him.  They  soon  all  became  still,  and  a 
solemn  silence  seemed  to  cover  our  minds.  Levi's 
wife,  Hannah  Hoag,  was  very  much  favoured  in  a 
sweet  and  consoling  testimony,  to  the  tendering  of 
most  or  all  present:  after  which  Levi  appeared,  much 
to  my  satisfaction.  All  the  time  since  I  came  into 
the  house,  my  mind  was  much  occupied  in  thought- 
fulness  about  the,  two  baptiisms, — that  of  water  and 
that  of  the  Spirit;  they  being  of  two  difiTerent  na- 
tures, the  first  having  no  more  power  in  it  than  to 
cleanse  the  outside  only;  while  the  second,  or  that 
of  the  Spirit,  was  so  efficacious  as  to  cleanse  the  in- 
side, or  heart  of  man,  of  its  pollutions:  and  this  be- 
ing made  clean,  the  outside  would  consequently  be 
clean  also.  So  that  it  appeared  to  me  beyond  all 
doubt,  that  to  be  baptized  in  water  must  be  a  need- 
less thing  in  itself;  the  spiritual  baptism  being  so  ef- 
ficacious and  powerful  that  it  needs  no  outward  help 
of  any  thing,  nor  any  substitute  in  its  stead.  As  this 
subject  occupied  my  attention,  it  increased  in  weight 
and  clearness,  till  the  word  of  command  came  to  de- 
liver it  to  the  people.  So  I  spoke  as  things  opened 
to  me  on  these  subjects,  and  felt  perfect  peace  in  my 
labours.  As  we  were  returning  to  Levi's,  his  wife 
told  me  that  nearly  all  the  neighbours  present  were 
Baptists:  at  which  information  I  could  but  marvel  at 
the  Divine  goodness  to  me;  for  I  was  a  total  stranger 
to  th(  m  all. 

In  three  days  travelling,  we  reached  father  Hox- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


99 


sie's,  to  our  mutual  joy  and  comfort.  On  our  way, 
we  called  to  see  our  ancient  friend  Mary  Griffin, 
aged  about  ninety  years.  She  appeared  to  be  lively 
and  green  as  to  the  sense  of  religion;  she  having 
been  a  minister  well  esteemed  for  many  years.  We 
found  her  engaged  at  her  spinning  wheel;  and  she 
told  us  she  commonly  rode  to  meeting  twice  a  week, 
it  being  about  three  miles:  which  I  thought  to  be 
remarkable,  considering  her  great  age.  So  we  visited 
our  friends  and  relations  several  days,  and  attended 
meetings  at  Oswego,  in  which  I  had  some  service  to 
my  own  satisfaction.  Thence  we  returned  home  on 
the  25th  of  1st  month,  ISOO;  having  travelled  nearly 
four  hundred  miles  on  this  journey. 

2d  mo.  2d.  A  low  time,  both  of  body  and  mind — 
so  lame  with  the  rheumatism  that  I  can  scarcely 
walk,  and  my  mind  much  shut  up.  Sometimes  I  am 
almost  ready  to  think  my  labours  in  the  ministry  are 
nearly  at  an  end,  especially  at  home  in  our  own  meet- 
ing. Yet  it  seems  singular  to  me;  for  I  think  it  rea- 
sonable to  suppose  that  they  who  preach  the  gospel 
abroad,  ought  to  do  the  like  at  home,  at  their  own 
meetings,  and  amongst  their  neighbours  and  friends. 
But  of  latter  time,  I  find  no  openings  in  that  way, 
and  so  say  nothing  in  that  line  at  home. 

3d  mo.  30th.  I  am  still  altogether  silent  in  public 
meetings.  I  trust  it  is  in  the  wisdom  of  the  great 
Master,  that  I  am  led  into  this  unusual  dispensation; 
though  I  cannot  find  out  the  meaning  of  it.  Perhaps 
the  Lord  is  teaching  me  to  be  attentive  to  his  shut- 
tings as  well  as  his  openings;  for  I  think  I  see  with 
great  clearness,  that  there  is  as  much  need  to  observe 
the  one  as  the  other.  But  notwithstanding  my  being 
so  shut  up  as  to  public  service,  I  have  been  much 


100 


JOURNAL  OF  RtTFUS  HALt. 


favoured  in  meetings  with  the  sweet  inflowings  of 
Divine  love,  so  that  I  have  thought  my  state  some- 
what like  that  of  Mary's  sitting  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
hearing  his  words.  But,  sometimes  when  sitting  thus 
quietly  in  meetings,  I  have  seemed  to  hear  some- 
thing like  a  complaining  of  others,  or  have  felt  an 
exercise  resembling  this,  when  meetings  have  been 
held  in  silence,  (and  I  have  believed  it  arose  from 
people's  not  being  deep  enough  in  their  minds) 
"Lord,  speak  to  my  brother  (or  sister)  that  they 
help  me."  How  many  there  are  who  are  either  so- 
ignorant,  so  outward,  or  so  unfaithful  to  what  they 
know,  that  when  sitting  in  meetings  for  Divine  wor- 
ship, and  feeling  it  difficult  to  come  at  any  thing  that 
truly  nourishes  the  soul,  for  want  of  more  depth  and 
patience,  they  grow  impatient,  and  like  Martha,  are 
ready  to  say  in  their  hearts,  "  Lord,  bid  some  of  the 
ministers  say  something  that  may  help  me,  and  raise 
more  lively  impressions  and  good  feelings  in  my 
mind."  But  it  is  my  full  belief,  that  the  Lord  in  his 
wisdom  often  rebukes  such  impatient,  superficial 
ones,  by  shutting  up  the  spring  of  gospel  ministry 
from  them  for  a  time,  in  order  that  they  may  be- 
come more  and  more  thirsty,  so  as  to  become  will- 
ing to  leave  all  caring  for  outward  help,  and  seek  for 
the  living  fountain-head  and  well-spring  of  Divine 
life  in  their  own  hearts  and  minds.  "  Martha,  Mar- 
tha, thou  art  careful  and  troubled  about  many  tilings; 
but  one  thing  is  needful:  and  Mary  hath  chosen  that 
good  part  which  shall  not  be  taken  away  from  her." 

About  this  time,  I  had  some  very  close  trials  in 
relation  to  some  of  my  outward  affairs.  A  certain 
person  owed  me  some  money,  and  I  being  in  want 
of  it,  asked  him  for  it  several  times.    At  length,  he 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


101 


refused,  and  gave  me  abusive  language;  so  that  I 
sometimes  thouglit  pf  sueing  him  at  the  law,  as  he 
was  well  able  to  pay  the  demand.  But  as  I  had  never 
done  such  a  thing  in  all  my  life  up  to  this  my  fifty- 
sixth  year,  it  vvas  a  very  great  trial  to  think  of  it;  so 
at  times  I  concluded  I  would  not  do  it,  if  I  lost  the 
debt: — then  again  I  thought  it  should  be  the  last  re- 
sort for  the  recovery  of  what  was  justly  due  to  me. 
However,  by  the  exercise  of  patience  and  prudence, 
a  way  at  length  turned  up,  by  which  the  matter  was 
settled  without  applying  to  the  law.  Thus  1  was  en- 
abled to  get  through  that  difficulty  better  than  I  ex- 
pected, which  I  regard  as  a  particular  favour  from 
the  hand  of  Divine  goodness,  for  which  I  wish  ever 
to  be  grateful. 

16th  of  5th  mo.  I  set  out  from  home  in  order  to 
attend  our  Yearly  Meeting  at  New  York,  and  rode 
about  sixteen  miles;  next  day  travelled  more  than 
forty  miles  to  Hudson,  where  we  stayed  Friends' 
jnorning  meeting,  in  which  I  had  good  service.  In 
the  afternoon  we  rode  about  fourteen  miles,  and  lod- 
ged at  a  Friend's  house.  Next  day  we  went  about 
forty  miles  to  my  father-in-law's;  and  being  much 
tired  with  riding,  we  rested  there  one  day:  then  my 
brother-in-law,  Ladowick  Hoxsie,  set  out  with  us  to- 
go  to  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  we  went  in  a  wagon 
about  eighteen  miles  to  Poughkeepsie,  where  we  went 
on  board  a  sloop,  and  had  a  fine  short  passage  of  sev- 
enteen hours  down  the  river,  about  eighty  miles  to 
New  York.  We  arrived  in  that  city  on  the  22d  of 
5th  month,  being  in  all  fifty-six  passengers  and  much 
crowded. 

On  the  24th,  began  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  minis- 
ters and  elders,  which  was  a  favoured  meeting;  as 
9* 


102 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


were  also  the  meetings  for  worship  next  day.  On 
second-day  the  Yearly  Meeting  for  business  began, 
and  through  the  several  sittings  thereof,  the  Lord  in 
his  wonderful  goodness  and  condescension  sweeten-  ' 
ed  and  enlivened,  refreshed  and  united  our  spirits 
togetlier:  so  that  we  were  favouced  to  transact  the 
weighty  affairs  of  the  church  in  much  harmony  and 
concord.  The  meeting  held  by  adjournments  till  the 
2d  of  Gth  month,  by  reason  of  the  revision  of  the  dis- 
cipline, and  placing  it  in  more  regular  order  than  it 
had  been  before.  It  was  a  memorable  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, that  I  trust  will  not  soon  be  forgotten  by  many 
Friends. 

On  my  way  home,  I  attended  Little  Nine  Partners 
meeting  on  first-day,  the  8th  of  6th  month.  The  case 
of  Jonah  when  he  fled  from  the  presence  cJ  the  Lord 
and  took  shipping  for  Tarshish,  came  livingly  before 
me,  and  I  had  to  labour  thereon  in  a  testimonj^  which 
was  very  close  and  pointing;  so  much  so  that  I  was 
almost  ready  to  doubt  my  own  feelings,  not  knowing 
that  there  was  any  occasion  of  such  doctrine  among 
them:  But  I  was  favoured  to  get  through,  and  felt 
great  peace  of  mind,  as  well  as  thankfulness  to  the 
Preserver  of  his  dependant  ones.  After  meeting,  an 
elder  told  me  that  if  I  had  known  as  much  about 
Friends  of  that  place  as  he  did,  I  would  hardly  have 
ventured  to  deliver  such  plain  doctrine;  and  that  he 
was  glad  I  was  alive  in  the  Truth.  I  desired  him  to 
say  no  more,  as  I  knew  nothing  about  them,  and  that 
it  was  sufficient  for  me  that  I  felt  perfect  peace  in  my 
labours  among  them. 

22nd.  In  company  with  Joseph  Wilbur,  Zebulon 
Hoxsie  and  Reuben  Baker,  I  attended  a  meeting  ap- 
pointed at  a  place  called  Argyle,  where  there  bad 


JOURNAL  OP  RUPCS  HALL. 


103 


never  been  a  Friends'  meeting  held  before:  and  al- 
though much  ignorance  of  the  usefulness  of  silent 
waiting,  or  the  nature  of  spiritual  worship,  was  ap- 
parent among  the  people,  yet  we  had  a  free,  open 
time  in  gospel  labour  to  our  satisfaction. 

24th.  Although  in  preserving  this  account  of  niy 
exercises  in  this  life,  I  wish  to  avoid  giving  mucli 
detail  of  my  outward  affairs,  yet  as  some  things  of 
this  nature  have  occurred  that  seem  evidently  as  les- 
sons of  instruction  in  the  best  things,  I  am  induced 
to  acknowledge  the  hand  of  Divine  Providence  in 
ordering  some  of  these  outward  matters,  encouraging 
me  to  a  continued  trust  in  his  goodness  in  all  the 
transactions  of  my  life,  and  leading  me  to  be  more 
and  more  attentive  and  obedient  to  the  little,  secret 
motions  and  intimations  of  his  spirit  in  my  own 
mind.  Thus,  I  have  found  the  exercise  of  patience 
and  christian  forbearance  towards  a  person  who  for 
a  while  appeared  unwilling  to  pay  a  just  del)t,  at 
length  induced  him  to  come  of  his  own  accord,  and 
in  a  friendly  manner  settle  the  account.  But  I  may 
confess,  that  to  have  the  inward  eye  so  divinely 
anointed  as  always  with  clearness  to  see  the  Lord's 
way  and  time,  is  a  great  attainment,  ta  which  I  have 
not  at  all  times  fully  arrived.  I  see  the  danger  of  a 
selfish  spirit,  being  secretly  alive  and  working  in  us, 
especially  where  our  temporal  interest  is  concerned, 
that  hinders  our  being  wholly  leavened  into  the  hea- 
venly nature,  so  as  at  all  times  clearly  to  discover 
what  the  Divine  will  is  concerning  us. 

26th.  In  our  meeting  to-day,  a  lively  opening  came 
before  the  view  of  my  mind  concerning  the  pool  of 
Bethesda  and  its  five  porches;  the  multitude  of  im- 
potent foJk  that  lay  in  them,  waiting  for  the  troubling 


104  JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 

of  the  water;  and  the  case  of  one  that  had  lain  there 
diseased  a  long  time  already,  without  being  healed: 
also  the  certain  season  of  the  angel's  descending  to 
move  the  waters,  and  the  healing  efficacy  of  first 
stepping  in  after  the  troubling  of  the  pool.  By 
which  it  would  appear  that  if  any  stepped  in  too 
soon,  or  before  the  proper  time,  they  would  expe- 
rience no  more  healing  virtue  than  by  too  long  a  de- 
lay, or  neglect  of  stepping  in  after  the  divine  visita- 
tion. While  I  mused  on  these  openings,  and  felt  the 
command  to  deliver  them  to  the  people,  being  just 
about  to  rise  on  my  feet,  another  Friend  stood  up  to 
speak,  with  seemingly  good  matter  at  first;  but  he 
soon  laboured  so  heavily  as  apparently  to  lose  the 
life,  and  the  meeting  also  seemed  to  become  lifeless, 
By  the  time  this  communication  was  ended,  the  tim& 
of  the  meeting  was  so  far  spent,  that  I  concluded  to 
omit  delivering  the  testimony  of  my  opening,  and 
the  meeting  broke  up.  But  I  soon  saw  that  I  had 
missed  the  right  time  in  not  rising  a  little  earlier; 
which  might  have  been  the  means  of  preserving  life 
in  the  mcetino;,  and  preventing  my  coming  from  it 
dissatisfied  in  my  mind,  and  blaming  no  body  but 
myself.  By  leaving  this  memorandum,  I  wish  that 
others  as  well  as  myself,  may  learn  to  time  things 
right;  for  I  am  sensible  that  much  is  to  be  gained  by 
doing  things  in  their  proper  season,  as  I  also  believe 
that  much  is  lost  by  not  timing  things  well;  so  that 
sometimes  they  had  better  never  be  done  at  all,  than 
done  in  the  wrong  time. 

7th  mo.  3rd.  In  our  meeting,  being  much  exercis- 
ed in  spirit,  I  was  enabled  to  discliarge  my  duty  in 
sounding  forth  an  alarm  to  the  careless  and  lukewarm 
who  had  secured  themselves  as  in  the  sides  of  the- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


105. 


ship,  and  were  fallen  asleep;  and  therefore  knew  no- 
thing of  the  trouble  and  anxiety  which  the  true  la- 
bourers felt  for  their  safety  and  deliverance.  This 
kind  of  sleepers,  I  believe,  may  frequently  be  found 
among  people  whose  outward  eyes  may  be  open:  and 
to  these  I  was  concerned  to  call,  in  order  to  awaken 
them  out  of  that  careless  and  lethargic  state  of  se- 
curity, that  they  might  arise  and  call  on  the  living 
God. 

22nd.  It  seems  right  that  1  should  number  the  fa- 
vours I  receive.  In  our  meeting  last  fifth-day,  I  had 
a  lively  opening,  in  which  I  was  favoured  with  a  liv- 
ing testimony  of  encouragement  to  such  as  were 
earnestly  engaged  and  rightly  devoted  to  the  ser- 
vice of  Truth.  I  was  led  to  set  forth  the  precious- 
ness  of  time,  and  the  manner  of  its  being  meted  out 
to  us,  a  breath  at  a  time; — that  as  the  gracious  Giver 
of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  in  his  wisdom  thus 
distributes  it,  so  we  are  in  duty  bound  to  make  a 
right  use  of  it;  and  especially  to  dedicate  a  part  of  it 
to  him  in  solemn  spiritual  worship. 

Another  favoured  opportunity  I  had  lately  at  Pitts-, 
town  meeting;  wherein  my  mind  was  opened  upon 
the  subject  of  the  discourse  of  Jesus  with  the  Samari- 
tan woman  at  Jacob's  well.  As  I  kept  close  to  the 
light,  I  was  enabled  to  see  and  understand  more  deep- 
ly the  instructive  nature  of  the  truths  declared  on 
this  occasion.  Oh!  what  shall  I  render  unto  the 
Lord  for  all  his  benefits  towards  me!  My  tongue  is 
too  short  to  declare  his  goodness,  my  pen  too  slen- 
der,— and  I  fear  my  heart  is  too  unthankful  for  his 
abundant  favours.  Oh!  let  me  forever  lie  low,  as 
in  the  dust,  and  let  God  alone  be  exalted,  saith  my 
soul. 


106 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


24th.  Having  felt  a  little  draft  of  love  to  attend 
the  monthly  meeting  at  Queenshury,  and  also  the 
little  meeting  at  Thirman-town,  I  set  out  from  home 
alone,  and  went  to  Queenshury,  though  under  some 
discouragement,  partly  on  account  of  hodily  weak- 
ness, and  partly  by  reason  of  the  smallncss  of  the 
motion  (as  I  thought)  yet  could  not  feel  quite  easy 
to  stay  at  home.  So  in  this  littleness  I  attended  the 
monthly  meeting;  which  was  a  favoured  time  beyond 
my  expectation:  blessed  be  the  Lord.  But  in  the 
evening,  my  bodily  weakness  so  increased  that  I  was 
nigh  giving  out  going  any  further;  and  went  to  bed 
under  discouragement.  When  morning  came  I  was 
still  weak  in  body,  but  felt  the  same  little  motion  to 
try  to  get  to  the  meeting  at  Thirman-town.  Having 
the  company  of  three  or  four  Friends  of  that  meet- 
ing, I  set  out  and  travelled  slowly  till  we  reached 
the  place.  Next  day,  being  first-day,  I  attended  the 
meeting;  and  when  it  was  gathered,  light  sprang  up 
far  beyond  my  expectation,  and  it  was  a  favoured 
time;  perhaps  as  much  so  as  I  ever  experienced. — 
Oh!  how  freely  and  powerfully  did  counsel  and  ad- 
vice flow  through  me  from  the  Fountain  of  all  good! 
After  meeting  my  health  seemed  fully  restored,  and 
I  rode  near  half  way  home  over  a  rough  mountainous 
I'oad,  with  a  joyful  and  peaceful  mind:  and  next  day 
reached  home  much  satisfied  with  my  visit.  I  am 
renewedly  confirmed,  that  there  is  often  more  in  such 
comparatively  small  motions  and  intimations  of  love 
on  the  mind,  than  many  may  suppose;  and  I  am  per- 
suaded that  much  is  lost  by  people  not  attending  more 
carefully  to  them. 

9th  mo.  6th.  Having  had  it  on  my  mind  for  some 
time  to  make  a  visit  to  some  Friends  that  were  new- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL.  107 

ly  convinced,  residing  in  Kingsburg,  Mayfield  and 
Northampton,  with  some  friendly  people  of  different 
denominations  in  those  parts,  I  set  out  in  company 
with  David  Macomber  and  went  to  Newtown.  Next 
day,  being  first  of  the  week,  1  was  at  their  meeting 
and  had  good  service  in  the  ministry;  thence  we 
went  to  William  Odell's  at  Balls-town;  and  he  agreed 
to  meet  and  accompany  me  in  the  visit.  Sth.  Went 
on  to  Isaac  Gaige's  at  Duanesburg,  where  we  visited 
a  person  who  was  to  appearance  near  her  end  with 
the  dropsy.  "We  then  travelled  through  Otsego  to 
see  my  son  at  Oxford,  and  thence  about  eighty-five 
miles  to  Levi  Seymour's  at  Kingsburg,  where  Wil- 
liam Odell  met  us.  Next  day,  the  ISth,  we  had  two 
meetings;  19th,  had  two  other  meetings  in  Mayfield 
and  Northampton.  Next  day  we  vvere  at  two  meet- 
ings, one  of  them  in  Providence.  All  these  were 
favoured  opportunities,  the  gospel  being  freely  de- 
clared among  the  people,  who  were  of  different  so- 
cieties, yet  there  appeared  great  openness  among 
them  to  hear  Trutii  declared.  Some  things  were 
treated  in  a  very  plain,  close  manner,  particularly 
the  dangerous  doctrine  of  "once  in  grace,  ever  in 
grace;"  and  the  formality  of  preaching,  praying  and 
singing  in  man's  will  and  time.  But  a  number  of 
them  are  so  much  stirred  up  in  their  minds,  and  their 
understandings  so  enlightened  to  seethe  insufficiency 
of  such  formal  performances  and  the  absurdity  of  such 
doctrines, — that  they  are  willing  to  forsake  them  and 
seek  for  something  more  certain  and  permanent. 

We  then  had  meetings  at  Galvvay,  Greenfield,  and 
private  houses,  among  Friends,  Baptists  and  Metho- 
dists; in  which  our  labour  went  to  search  out  their 
old  sandy  foundations,  and  buildings  of  wood,  hay 


108 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


and  stubble;  and  to  turn  their  attention  to  build  on 
the  Rook  of  ages,  and  embrace  the  everlasting  Truth. 
But  there  is  a  wide  field  for  abundance  of  labour,  and 
skilful  labourers  are  needed  for  the  task.  Oh!  that 
all  who  travel  abroad  and  appoint  meetings,  may- 
dwell  low,  and  sit  as  at  the  king's  gate,  like  Morde- 
cai,  waiting  for  the  deliverance  of  the  Lord's  righ- 
teous seed.  These  humble  waiting  Mordecai's,  and 
those  Esthers  that  put  their  lives  as  in  their  hands, 
and  go  forth  under  a  sincere  concern  for  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  borders  of  Zion,  will  not  only  in  due 
time  witness  the  holding  forth  of  the  sceptre  of  Di- 
vine love,  but  will  be  made  instruments  for  carrying 
on  the  Lord's  work,  and  be  received  into  favour 
with  the  King  of  kings. 

Taking  Saratoga  monthly  meeting  on  our  way, 
we  reached  home  the  24th;  having  travelled  about 
two  hundred  and  eighty  miles,  and  attended  eleven 
meetings. 

10th  mo.  5th.  Nathan  Hunt  from  Carolina  attend- 
ed our  meeting  at  Easton,  also  John  Hull  from  New 
York.  They  both  appeared  in  testimony,  and  it  was 
a  remarkabl}'  favoured  time.  Nathan  very  clearly 
set  forth  the  necessity  and  advantage  of  silent  wait- 
ing, in  order  to  be  qualified  for  the  performance  of 
our  religious  duties;  and  also  the  insufficiency  of  all 
preaching,  praying  and  singing  in  our  own  will  and 
time;  being  at  best  but  mere  formality.  Many  of 
other  societies  were  present,  and  all  were  quiet  and 
apparently  well  satisfied.  A  solemn  covering  was 
felt  over  the  meeting;  may  the  glory  be  ascribed  to 
^jod  forever  and  ever. 

16th.  We  had  the  company  of  our  ancient  friend, 
Reuben  Palmer,  from  Nine  Partners,  and  Augustine 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


109 


Titus  from  Oswego,  at  our  meeting.  They  were  both 
favoured  with  short  but  lively  testimonies  among  us; 
in  which  the  cementing  union  was  felt  to  the  refresh- 
ing of  our  souls  together.  Thus,  the  heavenly  Father 
deals  bountifully  with  his  depending  children;  and 
Oh!  that  we  may  ever  remember  his  favours,  and 
not  doubt  or  repine  in  seasons  of  scarcity  or  drought, 
which  he  permits  to  come  upon  us  for  the  trial  of  our 
faith  and  patience. 

23rd.  We  had  another  refreshing  season  at  our 
meeting,  under  the  ministry  of  our  beloved  friend, 
Sarah  Lundy,  from  New  Jersey.  Oh!  how  freely 
did  gospel  doctrine  flow  from  her  lips,  to  the  tender- 
ing of  us  all!  May  the  opportunity  never  be  forgotten 
by  us. 

12th  mo.  28th.  Almost  another  whole  year  has 
passed  away;  during  which  I  have  had  divers  trials; 
but  feel  thankful  that  I  have  been  preserved  through 
them  all.  I  consider  that  heat  and  cold,  summer  and 
winter,  seed-time  and  harvest,  spiritually  as  well  as 
naturally,  are  all  right,  and,  in  the  ordering  of  best 
wisdom,  intended  for  the  production  of  right  and 
good  things.  In  our  meeting  to-day,  I  was  comfort- 
ed in  the  renewing  of  the  well-spring  of  Divine  good- 
ness in  my  own  mind;  and  also  through  the  ministry 
of  our  friend  Thomas  Titus,  of  Cornwall,  who,  being 
on  a  journey  with  several  Friends  to  Upper  Canada, 
was  at  our  meeting — they  being  stopped  here  by 
reason  of  difficult  travelling. 

3rd  month  1st,  1801.  Trials  attend  me  of  various 
kinds.  Although  I  have  of  late  had  some  good  and 
lively  openings  in  our  meetings,  and  some  satisfac- 
tory labours  therein;  yet  in  prospect  of  having  a  few 
meetings  abroad,  I  have  been  almost  discouraged  by 
10 


110 


JOURNAL  Of  RUFUS  HALL. 


reason  of  the  state  of  my  own  family  at  home.  I  find 
cause  for  much  exercise  and  concern  on  account  of 
some  of  my  children,  to  get  them  out  to  attend  meet- 
ings, and  to  keep  them  within  the  bounds  of  plain- 
ness. I  have  many  exercising  thoughts  on  their  ac- 
count, and  whether  I  have  not  been  too  remiss  here- 
tofore in  keeping  up  my  authority  in  the  right  line 
of  family  discipline;  and  some  of  my  dear  friends 
have  hinted  their  fears  on  this  account.  But  in  all 
my  afflictions,  trials  and  conflicts  on  this  subject,  I 
cannot  feel  any  real  guilt  chargeable  on  myself,  un- 
less I  have  erred  on  the  side  of  mercy  or  tenderness, 
so  as  not  to  keep  the  cords  of  discipline  quite  so  tight 
as  Truth  would  direct,  through  fear  of  being  too  se- 
vere. I  find  it  needful  for  me  to  put  my  trust  in 
God,  who  yet  speaks  peace  to  my  soul,  and  endea- 
vour to  steer  my  course  according  to  his  direction; 
hoping  for  better  times,  and  that  he  will  arise  in  his 
light  and  matchless  love,  and  cause  my  children  to 
see  their  great  mistakes,  so  as  to  repent  and  return 
to  the  heavenly  Father's  house;  which  is  my  hearty 
desire  and  prayer  for  them. 

12th.  At  our  monthly  meeting,  the  Lord  was  evi- 
dently felt  among  us  to  our  great  comfort  and  satis- 
faction. I  had  renewedly  to  believe  that  we  were 
a  favoured  people;  and  to  remind  Friends  how  and 
by  what  means  our  religious  society  was  first  raised 
up  to  be  a  separate  people;  namely,  by  and  through 
the  power  of  God;  and  that  it  was  by  and  through 
the  same  power  that  we  had  been  preserved  as  a 
people  to  the  present  day.  I  also  had  to  hold  up  to 
view,  that  it  is  the  same  Divine  power  which  must 
still  preserve  us;  that  although  we  now  live  in  a  day 
of  ease,  as  to  outward  persecution,  and  have  not  the 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


Ill 


like  trials  to  go  through  as  our  forefathers  had, — yet 
the  enemy  of  our  peace  was  the  same;  so  that  we 
have  as  much  need  to  take  good  heed  to  the  Divine 
light  in  our  minds  as  they  had  in  those  days  of  great- 
er outward  trials.  For  if  we  are  preserved  to  be  a 
people  to  the  Lord's  praise,  it  must  be  by  keeping 
our  ranks  in  righteousness  as  our  forefathers  did,  in 
order  that  we  may  go  forward  in  the  regular  order 
of  Truth  towards  a  further  reformation. 

4th  mo.  8th.  What  shall  1  render  unto  the  Lord 
for  all  his  benefits  towards  me?  Notwithstanding  my 
weaknesses  and  failures,  I  have  felt  the  heavenly 
Master  owning  me  at  times  with  his  enlivening  pre- 
sence, so  that  I  have  been  enabled  in  his  light  and 
life,  I  trust,  to  bear  public  testimony  to  the  Truth 
among  my  brethren  and  sisters,  with  that' inward 
satisfaction  and  peace  of  mind  which  my  soul  truly 
desires  above  all  things  to  feel.  It  is  also  humbling 
to  my  mind  to  consider  that  the  Lord  of  all  good  is 
still  favouring  me  in  outward  as  well  as  spiritual 
things;  for  it  is  but  a  few  days  past,  since  a  fire  was 
discovered  near  evening  within  three  or  four  feet 
of  my  barn,  among  some  dry  manure.  There  was 
abundance  of  straw  very  near  it  and  the  wind  high; 
but  it  was  put  out  by  two  boys  that  happened  to  see 
it,  before  it  had  begun  to  spread.  It  was  supposed 
to  have  originated  from  the  wad  of  a  gun  that  had 
been  fired  at  a  mark  on  the  side  of  the  barn  some 
hours  before.  It  seemed  right  to  record  this  awful 
circumstance,  as  a  caution  and  admonition  to  myself 
and  others  to  be  very  careful  of  sufTering  guns  to  be 
fired  near  such  buildings,  even  though  ever  so  much 
care  should  be  taken  to  guard  against  such  accidents. 
This  marvellous  preservation  of  my  barn  from  the 


112 


JOURNAL  OF  RTTFUS  HALL. 


ravages  of  fire,  excites  me  to  the  renewed  inquiry, 
What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord,  for  all  his  benefits 
conferred  on  me?  Can  it  be  any  thing  short  of  hum- 
ble, unreserved  obedience  to  all  his  requirings?  For 
it  is  by  and  through  him  and  his  merciful,  providen- 
tial dealings  with  me,  that  I  have  my  being  and  well- 
being  here. 

10th,  was  our  preparative  meeting,  in  which  life 
arose  and  light  shone  triumphant  over  all,  to  the  en- 
couraging of  some  of  our  minds.  It  being  the  time 
of  answering  the  Queries,  some  things  were  close- 
ly searched  into;  particularly  that  of  paying  a  tax, 
which  many  Friends  thought  was  principally  for  the 
support  of  warlike  purposes;  such  as  building  forti- 
fications, ships  of  war,  &c.  But  this  tax  being  so 
blended  with  other  taxes  and  duties,  made  it  diffi- 
cult: some  Friends  not  being  free  to  pay  it,  as  be- 
lieving it  inconsistent  with  their  religious  principles 
and  testimony  against  war;  while  others  had  paid  it. 
A  concern  was  felt  that  Friends  might  be  preserved, 
so  as  to  act  with  consistency  therein.  It  was  under- 
stood by  some  that  Friends  in  New  York  generally 
paid  it;  and  it  was  alleged  that  formerly  while  we 
were  under  the  king  of  England,  we  had  to  answer 
a  query  in  relation  to  not  defrauding  the  king  of  his 
dues;  and  they  could  see  no  difference  in  this  respect 
between  king  and  congress;  and  that  therefore  we 
might  pay  those  taxes  now  as  well  as  formerly.  On 
the  other  hand,  it  was  stated  that  the  ground  on 
which  we  were  raised  to  be  a  separate  people  or  so- 
ciety, was  that  of  tender  scruples  of  conscience;  and 
it  was  on  this  ground,  or  principle  of  Divine  light, 
that  the  reformation  had  always  stood,  and  must  still 
stand,  if  it  is  carried  on;  and  therefore  that  Friends 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


113 


would  not  do  well  to  look  to  New  York  or  London, 
nor  even  to  former  customs,  for  direction;  seeing  we 
had  to  go  forward  and  not  backward,  nor  yet  to  stand 
still  with  the  work  of  reformation.  As  to  defraud- 
ing any  of  their  dues,  there  was  no  such  thing  in  the 
case;  for  to  defraud  was  wilfully, obstinately,  or  craf- 
tily to  detain  a  thing  from  the  right  owner.  But  in 
this  case  there  was  neither  will,  obstinacy,  nor  craft; 
but  purely  a  tender  scruple  of  mind  or  conscience; 
and  therefore  it  ought  to  be  attended  to,  and  Friends 
should  not  desert  the  ground  (now  in  a  day  of  ease) 
on  which  their  predecessors  stood,  and  nobly  main- 
tained it  in  the  times  of  hot  persecution. 

On  the  whole,  it  appeared  to  me  that  the  weighty 
concern  of  the  meeting  was  against  paying  the  tax; 
but  as  the  subject  was  new  to  some,  and  others  were 
not  altogether  clear,  by  reason  of  long  custom,  so  as 
to  see  the  inconsistency  of  paying  it, — it  was  thought 
best  to  let  every  Friend  act  according  to  their  free- 
dom therein.  I  was  truly  thankful  that  Friends  were 
preserved  in  such  unity  and  harmony,  that  I  did  not 
discover  any  hardness  towards  one  another;  but  all 
.spoke  with  coolness  of  mind,  and  none  showed  any 
symptoms  of  heated  zeal;  which  is  too  often  the  case 
in  such  matters. 

6th  mo.  17th.  Although  my  hands  as  well  as  my 
mind,  for  several  weeks  past,  have  been  employed 
in  making  this  life  more  comfortable,  yet  the  good- 
ness of  my  heavenly  Master  has  not  forsaken  me. 
He  has  vouchsafed  to  shine  in  and  upon  my  taber- 
nacle, at  divers  times  of  late,  greatly  to  my  encou- 
ragement, both  in  and  out  of  meetings.  These  Divine 
favours  have  been  conferred  on  me,  sometimes  by 
and  through  the  feeling  of  his  presence  in  silently 
10  * 


114 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


waiting  upon  him;  sometimes,  through  the  ministry 
of  others;  and  sometimes  in  feeling  the  gospel  spring 
of  life  to  flow  in  my  own  heart  for  distribution  among 
my  brethren  and  sisters  at  our  own  meeting.  Oh! 
the  strearns  of  gospel  love  which  I  have  felt  thus  to 
flow  forth  toward  my  friends,  affording  also  to  my 
own  mind  great  satisfaction  and  peace.  May  I  never 
forget  these  and  many  other  favours  dispensed  to  me 
by  the  Divine  hand. 

19th.  I  went  to  Piltstown  in  company  with  Daniel 
Aldrich,  of  Uxbridge  monthly  meeting  in  New  Eng- 
land, and  Solomon  Haight,  of  Nine  Partners;  and  at- 
tended a  meeting  which  they  had  appointed  there,  to 
my  satisfaction. 

7th  mo.  22d.  This  morning,  I  had  a  great  struggle 
in  my  mind  whether  I  had  better  go  to  the  monthly 
meeting  at  Saratoga,  or  stay  at  home  and  secure  my 
wheat,  which  was  nearly  all  standing  in  shock  in  the 
field,  and  it  looked  very  likely  to  rain.  But  I  soon 
concluded  to  go  to  meeting,  and  trust  my  wheat  in 
the  hand  of  the  Lord:  so  my  wife  and  I  set  out  and 
rode  a  few  miles,  when  it  began  to  rain,  and  so  tho- 
roughly wet  the  wheat  that  if  I  had  stayed  at  home 
and  attempted  to  draw  it  in,  I  should  have  got  very 
little  of  it  housed  before  the  rain  came  on.  In  attend- 
ing the  monthly  meeting  I  had  good  satisfaction,  al- 
though through  some  close  labour  in  the  discipline; 
for  a  matter  had  occurred  among  them  which  tended 
to  break  the  unity,  and  to  scatter  and  divide  Friends. 
On  this  subject  I  felt  constrained  in  love  to  labour 
with  them,  and  was  favoured  to  bring  about  a  settle- 
ment, so  that  a  number  of  Friends  signified  their 
unity  therewith.  It  was  the  Lord's  doings,  and  let 
all  the  praise  be  given  to  him.  Next  day,  after  visit- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


115 


ing  a  sick  man,  we  returned  home;  and  by  this  time 
the  weather  had  become  so  fair  that  my  wheat  was 
in  better  order  to  be  put  in  the  barn  than  it  had  be- 
fore been.  So  that  through  all  my  struggles  and  ex- 
ercises I  thought  I  was  the  gainer  at  last;  and  I  have 
made  these  remarks  for  the  encouragement  of  any 
that  may  be  tried  in  like  manner. 

24th  of  10th  mo.  Of  late  my  mind  hath  been  much 
occupied  in  repairing  my  house, which  I  thought  ne- 
cessary for  my  own  and  family's  comfort;  this,  with 
other  perplexing  cares  of  this  life,  hath  been  such 
that  I  have  at  times  been  afraid  I  was  losing  ground, 
as  to  my  journey  Sion-ward.  Yet  notwithstanding 
this,  I  have  been  generally  favoured  in  our  meetings 
with  a  sense  of  Divine  goodness,  and  a  hope  that  I 
am  still  owned  by  my  great  and  good  Master;  for 
of  a  truth  I  do  greatly  desire  to  feel  my  mind  set  at 
liberty  from  the  cares  and  cumbers  of  this  life. 

Having  had  it  on  my  mind  for  some  time  to  make 
a  visit  to  Friends  and  others  in  Johnstown,  North- 
ampton and  Wellstovvn,  and  having  the  unity  of 
Friends  therein,  I  set  out  and  went  to  Ballstown. — 
Next  day,  being  first  of  the  week,  1  attended  the 
meeting  there,  and  had  a  full  and  satisfactory  oppor- 
tunity, divers  of  the  neighbours  not  of  our  society 
being  present.  At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
in  company  with  my  esteemed  friend  William  Odell, 
I  had  another  meeting  about  five  or  six  miles  north- 
ward, among  Baptists  and  Presbyterians;  in  which 
William  had  good  service,  but  I  was  silent.  Thence 
went  to  my  brother-in-law,  Joseph  Hoxsie's  in  Gal- 
way,  and  lodged  there;  and  the  following  day  had  a 
meeting  at  New  Providence:  after  which  we  rode 
about  thirty  miles  to  David  Isdell's  in  Wells-town. 


116 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


Next  day,  about  ten  miles  farther  in  the  woods,  and 
visited  some  Friends'  families,  inlending  to  have  a 
meeting  in  that  neighbourhood:  but  of  this  we  were 
disappointed,  by  reason  that  most  of  the  people  had 
promised  to  help  a  man  heap  logs,  and  they  were  to 
have  a  dinner  provided,  with  spirituous  liquors,  &c. 
The  people  were  also  disappointed;  for  they  had 
been  for  some  time  (as  we  heard)  wishing  that  some 
Friends  would  have  a  meeting  amongst  them.  In 
discoursing  with  the  man  for  whom  the  work  was 
to  be  done,  he  was  unwilling  to  have  it  put  off  till 
another  da}',  because  his  hands  were  all  invited  and 
his  victuals  prepared;  though  he  seemed  sorry  it  had 
so  happened.  We  had  a  good  opportunity  to  hold 
up  to  him  our  testimony  against  such  entertainments 
in  wliich  spirituous  liquors  were  freely  used.  For, 
although  it  was  a  good  and  charitable  thing  in  itself 
for  neighbours  to  help  one  another,  especially  those 
who  were  sick  or  lame,  and  thus  had  got  behindhand 
in  their  business, — yet  it  might  all  be  done  without 
spirituous  liquors,  mostly  much  better  than  with. — 
The  practice  of  using  those  liquors  as  a  drink,  was 
also  of  bad  consequence,  not  only  because  of  the  cost, 
which  was  considerable  in  a  neighbourhood  where 
they  were  mostly  in  low  circumstances  as  new  be- 
ginners in  a  wilderness, — but  also  by  the  free  use  of 
strong  drink,  men  who  are  commonly  of  sober  habits 
would  become  more  noisy  and  talkative,  and  those 
of  looser  character  vv^ith  weak  heads,  oftentimes  be- 
came intoxicated,  so  as  to  be  deprived  of  their  rea- 
son; to  which  may  be  added,  that  from  such  customs 
men  have  gradually  fallen  victims  to  the  use  of  spi- 
rituous liquors,  till  they  have  become  mere  sots. — 
We  also  told  the  young  man,  that  as  he  was  consid- 


JOURNAL  OF  RTJFUS  HALL. 


117 


ered  one  of  the  leading  men  in  that  settlement,  he 
ought  to  consider  and  take  heed  how  he  set  a  bad  ex- 
ample, or  introduced  bad  practices  among  his  neigh- 
bours. All  which  he  appeared  to  take  very  well;  and 
so  we  left  him,  and  had  an  evening  meeting  in  an- 
other part  of  the  neighbourhood,  which  proved  to  be 
a  good  season  for  imparting  gospel  truths  to  the  peo- 
ple. After  which,  we  had  a  full  opportunity  of  clear- 
ing our  minds  concerning  the  practice  of  furnishing 
men  with  spirituous  liquors,  and  making  such  large 
gatherings  in  order  to  roll  logs,  and  other  kinds  of 
labour; — setting  forth  the  evil  consequences  of  such 
a  practice,  as  Truth  then  opened  the  way.  All  which 
seemed  to  be  well  received  by  them  generally;  and 
some  expressed  their  great  satisfaction  with  the  re- 
marks, saying  they  had  been  uneasy  with  the  cus- 
tom of  giving  strong  drink,  but  it  being  generally 
practiced  among  them,  they  had  thought  they  could 
not  avoid  it;  but  that  now  the  inconsistency  thereof 
had  been  so  clearly  set  forth,  they  hoped  they  should 
in  future  be  enabled  to  abandon  the  practice. 

On  a  review  of  this  day's  work,  we  felt  great  satis- 
faction, so  that  we  could  once  more  set  up  our  Eben- 
ezer,  and  say.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  who  hath  hitherto 
helped  us. 

28th.  Attended  a  meeting  which  we  had  previous- 
ly appointed  at  the  house  of  a  Methodist,  in  a  neigh- 
bourhood where  only  one  family  of  Friends  lived: 
after  which  we  rode  back  to  a  place  in  the  bow  of 
the  river,  where  we  had  a  meeting  next  day  at  an 
inn;  and  another  in  the  evening  at  the  house  of  a 
Baptist,  to  which  came  a  priest  (as  we  were  after- 
wards informed)  who  was  travelling  about  the  coun- 
try to  look  for  a  place  to  settle  himself  as  a  minister. 


lis 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


I  was  particularly  led  to  set  forth  the  true  and  false 
ministry,  in  illustrating  the  text,  "  The  stone  which 
the  builders  rejected  is  become  the  head  of  the  cor- 
ner:" and  after  I  had  done,  dear  William  handled 
the  same  subject,  I  think  near  an  hour,  to  my  admi- 
ration. The  great  solemnity  and  satisfaction  that 
evidently  attended  the  minds  of  the  people,  were 
truly  encouraging;  praises  be  to  the  Lord,  for  it  was 
all  his  doings. 

30th.  Being  disappointed  of  a  meeting  we  expect- 
ed to  have  at  a  Friend's  house  about  six  miles  off, 
we  went  on  to  Levi  Seymour's,  in  the  borders  of 
Johnstown,  where  a  little  meeting  of  Friends  was 
kept  up;  which  we  attended  the  next  day  to  a  good 
degree  of  satisfaction.  That  evening  we  came  to 
the  house  of  our  friend  John  Macomber  at  Gal  way; 
whence,  next  morning  William  Odell  went  home, 
but  I  attended  Gal  way  meeting  on  first-day;  in  which 
I  had  a  close,  exercising  time,  but  through  honest  la- 
bour, obtained  considerable  ease  of  mind.  The  way 
not  opening  to  proceed  further  at  present,  I  return- 
ed home  the  2d  of  the  11th  month;  where  I  remain- 
ed, experiencing  some  trying  seasons,  but  others  more 
favoured  and  open,  till  the  19th  of  1st  month,  1S02; 
when,  not  feeling  clear  of  several  places  within  the 
verge  of  Saratoga  monthly  meeting,  I  left  home,  and 
was  at  the  select  preparative  meeting  there.  Next 
day,  was  at  their  monthly  meeting,  and  the  day  fol- 
lowing, William  Odell  again  joining  me,  we  rode  to 
Greenfield,  and  had  an  evening  meeting  at  the  house 
of  our  friend  Elihu  Anthony.  22d,  had  two  meet- 
ings to  good  satisfaction:  and  next  day  attended  one 
at  Friends'  meeting  house  in  the  south  part  of  Green- 
field, which  was  a  trying  season.  It  seemed  as  if  the 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


119 


spirit  of  the  world  had  almost  choked  the  good  seed; 
but  really  it  requires  some  care  and  skill  to  pluck  up 
those  weeds  that  are  grown  tall  and  strong,  without 
endangering  the  good  plants.  24th,  being  first-day, 
we  were  at  Newtown  meeting;  after  which,  having 
a  sitting  in  a  Friend's  family,  we  felt  easy  to  return 
home. 

The  10th  of  3rd  month,  William  Odell  and  I  set 
out  on  a  religious  visit,  and  were  at  Danby  monthly 
meeting.  Thence,  about  thirty  miles,  to  a  place  call- 
ed Landgrove,  on  the  Green  mountains,  where  we 
had  an  evening  meeting;  and  I  thought  it  a  good  op- 
portunity, though  no  Friends  reside  here.  Surely  vve 
have  cause  to  be  thankful  to  our  good  Master  for  all 
his  favours.  13th.  Had  a  meeting  at  Weston,  at  the 
house  of  our  friend  Ezekiel  Pease,  who  with  his  wife 
were  but  lately  convinced  of  the  principle  of  Truth. 
It  was  a  good  meeting;  but  not  feeling  quite  clear  of 
the  place,  and  next  day  being  the  first  of  the  week, 
at  the  close  of  the  meeting  it  was  mentioned  that  we 
thought  of  staying  over  first-day,  and  would  be  glad 
to  have  another  meeting  with  them  near  the  centre 
of  the  settlement,  if  a  suitable  place  could  be  had. 
Upon  which  an  aged  man  stood  up  and  said,  as  they 
had  dropped  their  meeting  for  three  or  four  sab- 
baths on  account  of  the  inclemency  of  the  weather, 
he  thought  likely  we  might  meet  at  their  meeting 
place,  which  was  a  tavern.  On  which  the  owner  of 
the  house  readily  gave  liberty;  and  although  it  was 
severe  cold,  with  wind  and  deep  snow,  yet  many  of 
the  people  came  together  and  behaved  soberly;  and 
I  thought  it  a  good  meeting.  That  afternoon  we  tra- 
velled through  deep  snow  about  nine  miles  to  Mount 
Holly,  where  only  three  Friends  reside.    Next  day 


120 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


had  a  meeting  there  to  good  satisfaction.  Thence,  by 
way  of  Danby  to  Granville  mid-week  meeting;  after 
which  we  rode  through  deep  mud  and  water  twenty- 
five  miles  to  a  friendly  man's  house  in  Argyle, where 
we  lodged.  On  the  ISth,  reached  Easton  monthly 
meeting,  and  thence  home. 

Sth  mo.  27th.  I  have  had  a  long  season  of  mental 
dejection,  with  a  sense  of  my  own  inability  and  no- 
thingness, without  Divine  aid  and  assistance.  It  is 
more  than  five  months  since  I  have  opened  my  mouth 
in  public  ministry  in  our  own  meeting;  but  I  have  not 
been  stupid  or  senseless;  for  I  have  had  many  good 
seasons,  in  some  of  which  it  hath  seemed  as  if  1  was 
brought  into  the  King's  treasury,  and  beheld  many 
good  things  there  laid  up  in  store  for  those  that  love 
him:  but  no  liberty  was  given  me  to  deal  out  any  of 
them  to  my  brethren  and  sisters.  Here,  I  have  found 
it  a  very  necessary  lesson  to  learn  to  abide  in  silence, 
even  to  a  perfect  willingness,  as  to  any  other  quali- 
fication whatever.  To  talk  of  the  necessity  of  being 
willing  to  be  any  thing  or  nothing,  and  even  to  be- 
come willing  to  be  numbered  among  transgressors, — 
is  an  easy  thing:  but  really  to  experience  this  will- 
ingness actually  and  efiectually  to  be  wrought  in  the 
heart  and  mind,  is  a  deep  and  painful  exercise,  very 
difficult  to  be  described  by  words  so  as  to  give  a 
perfect  idea  of  it  to  another. 

Yet,  during  this  time  of  silently  attending  our 
meetings  at  home,  I  went  once  in  company  with  my 
dear  friend  William  Odell  as  far  as  East-Hoosack, 
Hancock,  Stephen-town,  Petersburg  and  Pittstown; 
and  we  had  meetings  at  each  place  to  good  satisfac- 
tion; the  spring  of  the  gospel  ministry  being  opened 
in  several  of  them  through  us  both,  to  our  comfort, 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


121 


and  I  trust  to  the  edification  of  some  of  the  people. 
Yesterday  the  spring  of  Divine  life  was  again  opened 
in  me,  so  as  to  flow  over  our  meeting  new  and  fresh, 
to  the  comfort  of  some  of  my  friends,  and  to  my  own 
peace.  Thus  hath  the  good  Master,  in  his  own  time, 
shown  his  favours  to  my  poor  soul,  so  that  I  may 
again  set  up  my  Ebenezer,  and  say,  Hitherto  hath 
the  Lord  helped  me.  Amen. 

10th  mo.  3rd.  Set  out  with  my  son  Peleg  Hall, 
who  was  removing  to  settle  at  Oxford,  and  arrived 
there  in  four  days.  Hence,  in  company  with  my  bro- 
ther Green  Hall  and  my  son  Samuel,  I  went  to  Sher- 
burn,  and  had  a  meeting  there  at  the  house  of  George 
Briggs,  his  wife  being  a  member  among  Friends.  But 
when  our  meeting  was  proposed,  he  said  he  thought 
the  Baptists  and  Methodists  in  that  neighbourhood 
were  so  set  in  their  own  way  of  thinking,  that  they 
would  not  attend  a  Friends'  meeting  at  any  time,  and 
especially  on  first-day;  for  their  meeting  was  held  in 
a  large  school  house  within  a  few  rods  of  his  house. 
On  inquiring  the  usual  time  of  their  meeting,  he  said 
they  met  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon;  so  we 
appointed  our's  at  eleven;  giving  the  people  an  op- 
portunity of  attending  both,  if  they  chose.  When 
the  time  drew  nigh,  I  mentioned  about  making  some 
seats;  but  he  was  so  faithless  that  he  was  hardly  pre- 
vailed on  to  make  any  beside  his  chairs  and  beds  in 
the  house.  However,  the  people  so  flocked  in  that 
he  was  obliged  to  bring  a  number  of  benches  from 
the  school  house,  and  they  crowded  all  full.  It  was 
a  blessed  opportunity;  the  people  appeared  solid,  and 
my  mind  was  opened  and  favoured  to  proclaim  gos- 
pel truths  among  them.  When  the  meeting  broke 
up  the  people  mostly  went  home,  in  a  solid,  thought- 
11 


122 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


ful  manner;  very  few  staying  toihe  Methodist  meet- 
ing in  the  afternoon.  We  returned  well  satisfied  with 
our  visit,  to  my  son's  at  Oxford. 

I  reached  home  on  the  15th,  and  found  my  aged 
father  very  ill,  occasioned  by  a  bruise  on  his  leg,  and 
a  few  days  after  by  a  stroke  of  palsy.  The  wound 
on  his  leg  mortified,  and  he  departed  this  life  the 
2Sth  of  the  10th  month,  1802;  aged  eighty  years 
and  eleven  months. 

On  the  5th  of  the  1st  mo.  1803,  in  company  with 
my  wife  and  John  GifTord,  a  friend  of  our  meeting, 
I  set  out  in  order  to  visit  the  families  of  Friends  of 
Pittstown  meeting.  We  visited  twenty-one  fami- 
lies, besides  attending  their  preparative  and  first-day 
meetings.  In  tlie  course  of  this  service,  some  things 
occurred  which  furnished  evidence  to  us  that  the 
work  was  owned  by  the  great  and  good  Master,  and 
we  had  renewed  cause  to  be  thankful  to  him  for  his 
gracious  dealings  with  us. 

In  the  2nd  month,  as  I  was  returning  from  our 
meeting,  the  concern  and  prospect  of  a  second  visit 
to  Upper  Canada,  so  impressed  my  mind  that  I  could 
not  refrain  from  shedding  tears  as  we  rode  along; 
and  I  said  in  my  heart,  0  Lord,  preserve  me  in  every 
trial  of  every  kind,  so  that  I  may  not  bring  dishon- 
our to  Ihy  worthy  name:  for  truly  I  am  utterly  un- 
able to  do  any  good  without  thy  Divine  assistance. 

3rd  mo.  3rd.  In  company  with  John  Gifford,  I  at- 
tended the  meeting  lately  allowed  at  Troy;  which  I 
thought  was  eminently  favoured  and  owned  by  the 
u;reat  Master  of  our  assemblies.  At  three  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon,  we  had  a  meeting  at  Cooksborough;  at 
which  were  many  who  had  never  been  at  a  Friends' 
meeting,  and  they  seemed  unacquainted  with  the  na- 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


123 


ture  of  spiritual,  silent  worship,  and  also  of  true  gos- 
pel ministry.  But  after  hard  travail  of  spirit,  and 
deep  conflict,  life  arose  into  some  dominion,  and  I 
was  enabled  in  good  measure  to  relieve  my  mind  of 
the  burden  that  lay  upon  me.  Peace  and  thankful- 
ness flowed  in  my  heart  toward  the  bountiful  Dis- 
penser of  help  and  strength.  Next  day,  we  had  a 
meeting  at  the  house  of  Francis  Brocks,  at  Peters- 
burg. As  I  was  speaking  with  a  gentle  current  of 
gospel  truth  to  the  people,  there  came  as  it  were  a 
thick  dark  cloud  over  my  mind,  and  I  sat  down  very 
abruptly;  believing  I  had  followed  my  Guide  as  far 
as  he  led  me  and  no  farther,  I  felt  peace,  and  a  will- 
ingness to  become  any  thing  or  nothing  in  the  eyes 
of  men,  so  that  I  might  have  the  Divine  approbation, 
which  is  a  sufficient  reward  to  the  dedicated  mind. 
On  the  5th,  we  set  out  and  rode  ten  or  twelve  miles 
towards  home,  but  feeling  our  minds  turned  towards 
Friends  at  White  Creek  preparative  meeting,we  went 
there,  and  attended  it  to  good  satisfaction;  and  next 
day  returned  home. 

4th  mo.  10th.  As  I  sat  in  our  meeting,  my  mind 
was  made  renewedly  sensible  of  the  wonderful  good- 
ness of  the  Father  of  all  our  mercies,  from  whom  are 
all  our  benefits  both  spiritual  and  temporal,  derived. 
What  a  small  portion  of  our  time  is  entirely  dedica- 
ted to  his  service,  by  way  of  paying  homage  to  him 
in  publicly  worshipping  him  !  And  yet  all  good 
springs  from  him;  for  we  have  not  even  a  faculty  or 
capacity  of  doing  any  thing  that  is  really  good,  of 
ourselves, or  that  will  redound  to  his  honour  or  praise; 
but  all  our  ability  to  do  good  must  spring  from  the 
God  of  all  truth,  justice,  and  mercy.  Surely,  our  ob- 
ligation to  him  is  very  great:  as  we  are  created  on 


124 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


purpose  for  his  glory.  In  ruminating  on  this  won- 
derful theme,  I  thought  the  day  spoken  of  by  the 
prophet  had  certainly  come,  when  no  man  need  say 
to  his  brother.  Know  the  Lord;  for  that  he  would 
teach  his  people  himself,  and  thus  all  might  know 
him,  from  the  least  to  the  greatest. 

The  19th  of  the  5th  mo.  1803,  in  company  with 
my  friend  John  Gifford,  I  set  out  on  a  visit  to  the 
meetings  northward.  On  first-day,  the  22d,  we  were 
at  Granville  meeting;  in  which  John  had  good  ser- 
vice, but  I  felt  well  satisfied  to  remain  silent,  as  to 
any  public  testimony.  Went  thence  to  Ferrisburg, 
and  were  at  Monkton  preparative  meeting;  also  had 
a  meeting  at  Starksborough,  in  which  we  both  had  an 
open  time  in  public  testimony.  28th.  Had  a  meeting 
at  Montpelier;  and  not  feeling  clear  of  that  neigh- 
bourhood, we  had  another  near  the  same  place,  in 
which  we  had  good  service.  After  which  we  had  a 
religious  opportunity  with  a  family  who  were  much 
afflicted  with  sickness;  and  the  Lord  was  pleased  to 
furnish  counsel  and  admonition,  to  the  tendering  and 
uniting  of  our  souls  together.  The  oil  of  the  king- 
dom was  freely  shed  abroad,  and  we  were  anointed 
therewith  to  our  comfort  and  joy  in  the  Lord. 

31st.  We  attended  Ferrisburg  monthly  meeting  to 
good  satisfaction;  thence,  crossing  lake  Champlain, 
we  came  to  Peru,  in  New  York  state,  and  lodged  at 
the  house  of  David  Harkness.  Next  day,  were  at  the 
monthly  meeting  there;  and  the  day  following,  set 
out  for  Grand  Isle,  (being  an  island  in  lake  Cham- 
plain)  and  got  to  Cumberland  Head;  but  the  south 
wind  blew  so  violently  that  we  could  not  cross  the 
ferry  till  next  day,  when  we  had  a  pleasant  passage. 
The  6th,  being  first-day,  we  attended  their  meeting; 


JOURNAL  OP  RUPUS  HALL. 


125 


many  of  the  neighbours  coming  in,  it  was  a  precious 
season.  In  the  afternoon,  we  had  a  meeting  on  the 
south  part  of  the  island,  which  was  attended  by  about 
two  hundred  and  fifty  people,  as  it  was  thought;  in 
which  opportunity  gospel  doctrines  flowed  copiously, 
and  it  ended  in  solemn  prayer  to  the  Lord  of  glory. 
I  think  I  have  not  been  sensible  of  many  more  fa- 
voured seasons.  Praised  be  the  holy  name  of  my  God 
forever;  for  he  is  eternally  worthy,  saith  my  soul. 

We  lodged  at  Jonathan  Griffith's,  whose  parents 
lived  with  him;  his  father  being  eighty-nine,  and  his 
mother  ninety-two  years  old;  and  both  able  to  walk 
about.  They  appeared  to  be  so  loving  and  innocent, 
that  1  thought  they  nearly  resembled  in  mind  two 
little  innocent  children.  Desires  were  raised  in  my 
heart  that  I  might  attain  to  such  a  state  of  mind;  for 
I  was  induced  to  believe  all  was  well  with  them,  and 
would  be,  let  them  die  ever  so  soon,  or  ever  so  much 
at  unawares.  I  thought  I  saw  in  them  a  plain  instance 
of  the  advantage  of  making  our  peace  vvith  our  God 
in  the  time  of  health  and  strength. 

On  leaving  the  island,  we  rode  the  sand-bar;  it  be- 
ing about  one  mile  over,  and  the  water  in  some  places 
about  mid-side  deep  to  a  common  horse.  As  it  was 
windy,  we  got  somewhat  wet  by  the  swell  of  the  water; 
but  landed  safely,  and  proceeded  to  our  friend  Elihu 
Hoag's  at  Starksborough.  On  the  Sth,  had  a  meeting 
at  Lincoln,  where  there  is  a  little  company  of  tender- 
spirited  Friends,  who  live  in  sweet  harmony  together. 
Soon  after  I  sat  down,  I  thought.  Surely  the  Lord 
hath  a  righteous  seed  in  this  place;  and  while  view- 
ing it  in  my  mind,  John  GifTord  arose  with  these 
words,  "Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place, and  I  knew 
it  not."  From  which  he  drew  much  comfort  and  en- 
11  * 


126 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


couragement  for  the  people.  After  which,  I  had  an 
open  time  in  public  testimony,  and  the  meeting  end- 
ed in  solemn  prayer  to  the  God  of  all  our  mercies. 
It  was  .indeed  a  highly  favoured  meeting;  and  closed 
our  visit  in  those  northern  parts.  Thence  we  pro- 
ceeded homewards,  attending  Danby  monthly  meet- 
ing on  the  way,  and  had  an  appointed  meeting  about 
two  miles  eastward  of  that  place,  which  was  large, 
and  ended  well  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  people  gen- 
erally. Here  we  parted  in  tender  love  and  good 
unity;  John  GifTord  going  northward,  with  Stephen 
Rogers  to  accompany  him,  and  I  home,  where  I 
found  my  dear  wife  and  family  all  well.  In  this 
journey  I  was  absent  upwards  of  three  weeks,  tra- 
velled about  four  hundred  miles,  and  attended  thir- 
teen meetings. 

The  22d  of  the  6th  month,  our  daughter-in-law, 
Lois  Hall,  departed  this  life,  after  about  an  hour's 
illness;  leaving  a  husband  and  three  small  children. 
This  was  a  trying  circumstance  to  us  all,  and  parti- 
cularlj^  so  to  my  son,  to  be  so  suddenly  deprived  of 
an  alBTectionate  and  beloved  wife.  She  was  indeed  a 
goodly,  well-minded  woman,  but  of  a  weakly  consti- 
tution. The  consideration  of  the  many  vicissitudes 
of  human  life,  is  humbling:  for  although  we  may 
promise  ourselves  many  comforts  and  much  satisfac- 
tion as  we  pass  along  through  time,  and  we  may  also 
be  very  desirous  of  being  divinely  directed  in  ma- 
king choice  of  the  things  of  this  life,  in  order  that 
we  may  have  the  greater  confidence  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  them — yet  after  all,  we  shall  find  that  asser- 
tion of  the  wise  king  to  be  true;  "Vanity  of  vanities; 
all  is  vanity."  Seeing  this  is  the  case  with  all  tran- 
sitory things,  how  needful  it  is  to  seek  something 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


127 


that  is  more  permanent,  even  a  habitation  whose 
builder  and  maker  is  God. 

9th  mo.  18th.  Trials  and  exercises  still  attend  me; 
for  although  I  have  been  renevvedly  impressed  with 
a  concern  to  make  another  visit  to  Upper  Canada, 
and  went  so  far  as  to  lay  the  matter  before  our  month- 
ly meeting, — yet,  feeling  an  unexpected  stop  in  my 
mind,  I  mentioned  it  to  Friends,  and  the  case  was 
postponed.  Another  trial  came  on  me  about  the  same 
time  concerning  selling  my  farm,  and  removing  to  a 
place  called  Mayfield.  This  so  wrought  on  me  that 
I  saw  no  better  way  to  dispose  of  it,  than  to  lay  it 
before  the  monthly  meeting.  After  Friends  had  so- 
lidly weighed  the  subject,  they  thought  best  to  leave 
me  at  my  liberty  therein:  but  soon  after  this,  I  met 
with  a  stop  in  that  case  also.  What  may  be  the  issue 
of  these  trials,  I  know  not;  but  I  believe  the  Lord 
will  have  a  tried  people;  and  why  should  I  flinch  at 
my  lot  and  portion?  Doubtless,  I  must  learn  to  dis- 
cern the  Lord's  shuttings  as  well  as  his  openings; 
for  it  is  as  needful  and  useful  to  know  the  one  as  the 
other.  May  I  still  be  preserved  so  as  to  keep  in  the 
strait  and  narrow  way  that  leads  to  life  eternal,  is  the 
sincere  desire  of  my  soul. 

The  15th  of  the  12th  mo.  1803,  I  again  believed 
it  right  to  lay  before  our  monthly  meeting,  a  revival 
of  my  concern  in  obedience  to  the  Master's  will,  in 
respect  to  making  a  religious  visit  to  Upper  Canada; 
and  Friends  uniting  therewith  gave  me  a  certificate 
for  that  purpose.  Notwithstanding  the  great  inabili- 
ty I  feel  of  performing  such  a  visit  to  the  honour  of 
the  great  Master,  and  the  arduousness  of  the  task  in 
the  heart  of  winter,  being  so  far  advanced  in  life  that 
1  am  become  tender  as  to  bearing  the  cold,  as  well 


128 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


as  the  dangers  and  exposures  in  those  newly  settled 
countries, — yet  remembering  the  many  favours  here- 
tofore received  at  the  Divine  hand,  through  faith  I 
hope  to  be  preserved  so  as  to  answer  his  requirings. 
And  even  if  it  should  so  happen  that  my  natural  life 
should  be  taken,  I  think  I  can  truly  say,  the  under- 
faking  is  in  the  simplicity  and  sincerity  of  my  heart, 
with  no  other  view  than  the  honour  of  God  and  the 
peace  of  my  own  mind.  Amen. 

The  31st  of  the  12th  month,  I  left  home  in  com- 
pany with  my  wife  and  son  Zebulon,  in  order  to 
proceed  on  my  visit  to  Upper  Canada.  Next  day, 
being  the  first  of  the  year  1804,  we  attended  meeting 
at  Troy  to  good  satisfaction.  After  meeting,  parting 
with  my  beloved  wife  and  son  who  returned  home, 
I  went  to  Joseph  Breintnall's  in  the  town,  and  lodged 
there.  2d  of  1st  mo.  I  went  to  Albany,  where  I  met 
my  near  and  dear  friend,  William  Odell,  who  joined 
me  as  a  companion  in  part  of  the  visit.  Next  day, 
we  had  a  meeting  at  Coeymans,  in  which  Truth  had 
the  victory;  and  one  the  day  following  at  Rensselaer- 
ville,  where  we  found  it  our  duty  to  encourage  the 
few  Friends  and  others  to  abide  in  the  true  Vine, 
Christ  Jesus.  5th.  Attended  meeting  at  Oak-hill,  in 
which  through  honest  labour  I  got  some  relief.  In 
the  evening, William's  mare  ran  away  and  could  not 
be  found;  so  next  daj'^  he  went  in  search  of  her,  and 
I  attended  a  meeting  we  had  appointed  at  Berne. — 
Through  Divine  assistance,  the  meeting  was  held  to 
good  satisfaction.  Thence  I  went  to  Duanesburg, 
where  William  Odell  met  me  again,  to  our  comfort, 
having  found  his  mare.  After  attending  meeting 
there,  we  went  on  and  had  a  meeting  at  Charles- 
town,  and  another  in  the  evening;  in  both  which  our 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


129 


labours  in  the  ministry  tended  to  bring  the  people 
off  from  form  to  substance,  and  we  had  peace. 

10th.  The  weather  being  very  cold,  we  travelled 
about  twenty  miles;  and  next  day  about  eighteen,  to 
Hardwick,  where  we  had  a  satisfactory  meetingin  a 
school  house.  13th.  Had  a  trying  meeting  at  Otego, 
where,  after  a  Friend  of  that  place  had  spoken  a  few 
words,  I  found  it  my  place  just  to  inform  them  that 
I  believed,  before  they  could  build  rightly,  they  must 
endeavour  to  remove  the  rubbish  out  of  the  way;  in 
order  that  they  might  find  and  build  on  the  right 
foundation,  Christ  Jesus.  After  long  silence,  William 
opened  to  them  what  the  rubbish  was,  m  a  plain  way, 
and  showed  them  how  to  remove  it,  through  faithful 
obedience.  So,  on  the  whole,  the  meeting  ended 
well.  Next  day,  in  company  with  Nehemiah  Sleep- 
er, we  went  to  Unadilla,  and  had  a  meeting  at  Simeon 
Wilber's  on  the  15th,  in  which  I  was  silent,  but 
William  had  a  free,  open  time  in  public  testimony, 
much  to  my  satisfaction.  Next  day,  had  a  meeting 
at  Oxford,  in  which  I  was  engaged  to  arouse  the 
careless  to  a  serious  consideration  of  their  latter  end. 

The  18th  of  1st  month,  being  a  remarkable  snow 
storm,  with  wind  and  cold,  we  spent  in  visiting  the 
few  families  of  Friends  in  Pittsfield,  and  having  re- 
ligious opportunities  with  them  to  our  satisfaction 
and  peace.  Lodged  at  Solomon  Kilsey's;  and  next 
day  travelled  through  deep  snow  to  Plainfield,  and 
had  an  evening  meeting  among  the  Baptists;  in  which 
we  found  it  needful  to  endeavour  to  centre  the  peo- 
ple's minds  on  Christ  the  rock,  the  sure  foundation. 
They  seemed  much  afloat;  so  we  had  to  cast  our 
bread  as  upon  the  waters,  hoping  that  it  may  be 
found  after  many  days,  and  left  the  event  to  the 


130 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


Lord.  Thence,  having  a  meeting  on  the  way  at  Ste- 
phen Hoxsie's  in  Brockfield,  we  travelled  to  Whites- 
town  in  a  tedious  snow  storm,  to  the  house  of  our 
friend  Peleg  Gifford,  where  we  met  with  divers 
friends,  and  had  a  time  of  rejoicing  in  the  Lord  in  a 
sitting  together  that  evening,  after  a  tiresome  travel. 

21st  Had  a  meeting  at  Peleg's,  among  the  Pres- 
byterians who  behaved  soberly,  becoming  professors 
of  religion,  and  I  trust  it  was  a  profitable  time  to 
them,  if  they  make  a  right  improvement  of  it.  In 
the  evening,  we  had  a  meeting  at  Augusta,  where  the 
minds  of  the  people  seemed  too  much  outward:  in 
such  cases,  it  requires  best  wisdom  to  direct,  in  order 
to  draw  them  off  from  outward  observances  and  out- 
ward things,  and  turn  them  to  the  true  inward  prin- 
ciple. I  have  found  by  experience  in  the  light,  that 
nothing  can  do  it  rightly  but  the  baptizing  power  of 
Truth.  As  I  am  careful  to  dwell  in  the  deeps,  until 
I  witness  this  power  to  open  matter  in  my  mind  be- 
fore I  offer  to  stand  up  to  minister,  and  then  to  attend 
to  it  all  along  in  the  delivery  of  it,  closing  when  that 
closes, — whether  I  say  little  or  much,  in  this  way  I 
have  always  felt  the  best  satisfaction. 

After  this  we  had  meetings  at  Pompey  and  Sem- 
pronius;  in  one  at  the  latter  place,  the  minds  of  some 
of  the  people  appeared  tender,  and  one  young  man 
publicly  acknowledged,  with  much  feeling  and  sincer- 
ity, that  he  had  heard  the  Truth  declared  that  day; 
and  advised  others  to  a  faithful  adherence  to  it,  say- 
ing, "  Fear  not  them  that  kill  the  body,  and  then  can 
do  no  more;  but  rather  fear  him  that  has  power  both 
to  kill  and  to  cast  into  hell."  Thence  we  travelled 
near  sixty  miles  to  the  house  of  our  friend,  Abraham 
Lapham,  at  PaliViyra,  in  the  Genesee  country;  where, 


JOURNAL  OP  RUPUS  HALL.  131 

on  the  26llvwe  attended  the  monthly  meeting  for 
Farmington  (the  meeting  house  having  been  lately 
consumed  by  fire.)  Next  day,  we  sat  with  a  com- 
mittee on  the  subject  of  building  a  new  meeting 
house;  and  though  there  were  different  opinions  as 
to  the  spot  where  to  set  the  house,  yet  a  good  degree 
of  condescension  prevailed,  so  that  they  entered  into 
a  subscription  for  the  purpose,  and  were  so  spirited 
that  six  hundred  dollars  were  subscribed  on  the  spot. 
As  this  meeting  is  situated  in  an  inland  country,  be- 
ing near  two  hundred  miles  from  Albany,  their  mar- 
ket place,  and  many  of  the  members  new  settlers, 
under  disadvantages,  it  seemed  right  to  preserve  this 
account  of  their  generosity,  in  hopes  it  may  be  a 
means  of  encouragement  to  others  in  similar  cases. 

29th,  and  first  of  the  week,  we  attended  Friends- 
meeting  held  at  Abraham  Lapham's,  in  which  Wm. 
Odell  had  a  favoured,  open  time  in  the  ministry.  We 
had  also  an  evening  meeting  at  Barnabas  Brown's, 
to  good  satisfaction.  The  next  day,  I  parted  with 
my  beloved  friend  Wm.  Odell,  he  feeling  his  mind 
clear,  so  as  to  return  homeward.  This  parting  very 
nearly  affected  me;  having  travelled  together  for  four 
weeks  in  true  unity,  1  felt  the  loss  of  so  dear  a  friend. 
In  the  evening,  I  had  a  meeting  at  Farmington,  in 
company  with  Caleb  Macomber,  a  Friend  of  Palmy- 
ra, and  we  both  had  good  service  in  the  ministry. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  all  his  mercies  and  favours. 

31st.  Went  to  Gilbert  Rowland's,  and  had  a  meet- 
ing there  in  the  evening  to  good  satisfaction,  thougii 
I  was  silent,  but  Caleb  Macomber  had  a  fine  open 
time  in  ttie  ministry.  Next  day,  had  a  meeting  at 
Nathan  Herrenden's,  in  which  through  deep  exercise 
I  found  a  way  to  ease  my  mind.  The  day  following 


132 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


I  attended  the  mid-week  meeting  at  Palmyra,  and 
an  adjournment  of  Farmington  monthly  meeting;  in 
each  of  which  I  had  some  service. 

3rd  of  2nd  month,  in  company  with  our  young 
friend  Eseck  Aldrich,  I  set  out  for  Upper  Canada, 
and  in  three  days  reached  our  friend,  Asa  Schooley's. 
Here  I  rested  a  little,  and  on  the  9th  attended  their 
mid-week  meeting,  in  which  I  had  to  sound  an  alarm, 
and  to  speak  in  close  terms;  which  was  trying  to  me, 
being  a  stranger  among  them:  yet  I  had  a  word  of 
encouragement  to  the  few  sincere  hearted  ones.  Next 
day  Eseck  Aldrich  left  me,  intending  to  return  home; 
he  had  been  very  kind  and  it  was  a  trial  to  part  with 
him:  so  I  set  out  in  company  with  Abraham  Laing 
and  reached  Pelham  that  evening,  about  thirty  miles. 
After  attending  the  funeral  of  a  child,  and  visiting 
my  old  friends,  Jeremiah  Moore's  family,  I  was  at 
their  meeting  on  first-day;  in  which  I  was  led  to  set 
forth  what  it  was  that  had  deprived  men  and  women 
of  happiness  ever  since  the  fall  of  Adam,  to  wit:  un- 
faithfulness to  known  duty:  and  that  this  would  con- 
tinue to  be  the  case  as  long  as  unfaithfulness  was 
given  way  to.  On  the  other  hand,  by  faithful  obe- 
dience to  manifested  duty,  a  state  of  happiness  was 
attained.  The  meeting  was  solid  and  ended  well. 
Next  day,  visited  Joshua  Gillams'  family,  and  on 
the  15th,  attended  their  mid-week  meeting. 

On  the  16th,  in  company  with  Peter  Beckett,  I 
set  out  for  Yonge  Street,  and  travelled  tlirough  the 
wilderness,  and  over  seven  or  eight  remarkably  sharp 
but  short  hills,  as  also  very  bad  roads,  about  one 
hundred  miles,  to  our  friend  Henry  WiddifieltVs,  at 
Yonge  Street.  I  was  much  tired  and  unwell,  but  the 
kindness  of  our  tender  friends  was  so  great  that  it 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


133 


seemed  to  revive  me  in  these  small  afflictions.  The 
19th  and  first  of  the  week,  I  attended  their  meeting, 
in  which  I  was  favoured  with  matter  and  utterance, 
to  the  tendering  of  some  minds.  Next  day,  visited 
some  families,  and  the  day  following  had  a  meeting 
at  Samuel  Lundy's,  in  a  newly  settled  place,  where, 
although  I  could  see  very  few  houses  in  the  woods, 
yet  many  people  came  to  the  meeting,  and  it  was 
held  to  good  satisfaction.  I  was  also  at  the  mid- 
week meeting  at  King  on  Yonge  Street,  to  my  peace 
of  mind. 

A  circumstance  occurred  iiere,  which  ministered 
encouragement  to  me.  As  I  was  conversing  with 
Friends  about  my  journey  to  the  Bay  of  Canty,  or 
Adolphus-town,  I  perceived  the  subject  was  likely  to 
be  very  trying  to  them;  for  they  were  resolved  I 
should  not  go  alone,  it  being  near  two  hundred  miles 
and  the  roads  bad,  and  Friends  of  the  place  all  new 
settlers,  and  low  in  circumstances.  I  felt  willing  to 
undertake  the  journey  alone,  notwithstanding  the 
length  and  badness  of  the  road,  and  my  age  and  in- 
firmities; but  they  would  by  no  means  consent  to  it. 
While  we  were  thus  conversing,  Samuel  Howe,  a 
Friend  from  the  Bay  of  Canty,  came  in,  and  informed 
us  he  would  be  ready  to  return  in  four  or  five  days. 
At  this  I  was  truly  rejoiced,  to  be  thus  provided 
with  a  suitable  companion,  beyond  my  expectation; 
and  he  offered  to  take  me  in  his  sleigh,  which  would 
be  a  great  easement  to  me,  as  I  had  rode  more  than 
six  hundred  miles.  I  felt  thankful  for  this  favour,  as 
believing  a  hand  of  Providence  was  in  it.  So  on  the 
24th,  I  set  out  with  Samuel  Howe,  and  went  thirty 
miles  to  York,  near  which  we  lodged  at  George 
Playter's.  Here  Samuel  was  detained  on  some  busi- 
12 


134 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


ness,  so  that  I  waited  most  of  the  next  day  for  him 
to  be  ready  to  go  with  me.  But  as  his  business  was 
of  an  outward  nature,  and  no  certainty  of  its  being 
accomplished  in  several  days,  I  set  out  alone  and 
went  to  William  Cornell's,  where  I  waited  till  the 
29th,  but  Samuel  did  not  come.  So,  notwithstanding 
all  my  hopes  of  having  suitable  company,  I  had  to 
travel  a  long  tedious  journey  alone.  The  first  day, 
I  travelled  twenty-five  miles  through  a  lonesome 
woods,  in  one  place  ten  miles  through  deep  snow, 
and  no  road  nor  even  a  stick  removed  out  of  the 
way,  over  steep  hills,  and  a  large  stream  of  water, 
where  my  mare  had  to  jump  down  and  up  the  banks. 
But  at  night  I  found  a  house  where  I  lodged,  and  the 
people  were  very  kind  to  me. 

3d  mo.  1st.  Continued  my  journey  over  very  rough 
ways,  still  much  uninhabited,  but  found  good  enter- 
tainment at  night.  Next  day,  came  to  my  old  friend 
and  acquaintance,  Peter  Irish's,  at  a  place  called  Hal- 
dimand.  Here  I  stayed  till  first-day,  the  4th,  and 
had  a  meeting,  in  which  my  mind  was  much  open- 
ed, and  it  was  a  precious  opportunity.  Next  day, 
in  company  with  Peter  and  his  daughter,  travelled 
forty-two  miles  to  West  Lake,  and  the  day  follow- 
ing attended  the  preparative  meeting  there.  Thence, 
in  company  with  Philip  Borland  and  James  Noxen, 
I  went  to  Adolphus-town,  and  was  at  the  preparative 
meeting  there;  in  which  I  was  engaged  to  tell  them 
that  it  was  the  hungry  that  should  be  filled,  and  the 
poor  in  spirit  that  were  entitled  to  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  8th.  Had  a  meeting  at  Grassy  Point,  in 
company  with  John  Borland,  and  James  Noxen  a 
public  Friend  of  Adolphus-town.  In  this  meeting  I 
was  largely  opened  in  declaring  gospel  Truths  to  the 
people. 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


135 


I  stayed  about  a  week  in  the  neighbourhood,  rest- 
ing and  visiting  some  families,  till  the  monthly  meet- 
ing came  on,  which  I  attended,  as  also  the  select  pre- 
parative meeting,  and  had  some  good  service  in  both; 
the  business  being  transacted  in  much  brotherly  love 
and  concord.  Thence  I  went  to  Kingston,  and  visit- 
ed the  widow  of  my  friend,  Aaron  Brewer,  deceased; 
and  attended  the  meeting  held  there,  wherein  thro' 
Divine  favour,  my  mind  was  much  opened  and  en- 
larged in  public  testimony.  After  meeting,  in  dis- 
course vvith  some  Friends  and  friendly  people,  the 
feeling  sense  of  Divine  goodness  so  covered  our  minds 
as  to  produce  much  tenderness.  In  the  afternoon, 
had  a  solid  opportunity  in  Mahlon  Knight's  family, 
and  another  in  the  evening  at  the  widow  Brewer's, 
where  I  parted  with  divers  friends,  in  heart-tender- 
ing nearness. 

19th.  Set  out  from  Kingston,  with  Hugh  McMul- 
lin,  a  Friend,  and  Lewis  Cameron  (a  Methodist  who 
accompanied  me  several  hundred  miles  homewards) 
and  we  travelled  that  day  about  thirty  miles,  most  of 
the  way  one  continued  wilderness, — a  part  of  which 
we  had  to  pass  in  the  night,  which  made  it  seem  very 
lonesome;  and  more  so,  by  reason  of  the  wild  beasts 
that  inhabited  those  parts.  In  the  midst  of  this  drea- 
ry wilderness,  the  wolves  set  up  a  hideous  yell,  seem- 
ing to  be  very  near  us;  but  we  were  preserved  from 
them,  and  got  safely  through  to  a  house,  near  ten 
o'clock  at  night,  where  we  lodged  on  the  floor  till 
morning.  Next  day  we  reached  Gershom  Wing's, 
and  had  a  meeting  in  the  evening  among  Methodists, 
Baptists,  and  others,  to  general  satisfaction. 

21st.  Feeling  fully  clear  of  those  parts,  I  set  out 
for  home,  with  great  peace  and  satisfaction  in  having 


136 


JOURNAL  OF  RXJFUS  HALL. 


endeavoured  to  answer  what  I  thought  required  of 
me  by  my  heavenly  Master.  Yet  the  thoughts  of  a 
long  and  tedious  journey,  through  deep  snow,  and 
in  many  places  long  wildernesses  uninhabited  by 
any  human  beings,  and  also  large  rivers  to  cross, — 
appeared  serious.  In  the  afternoon,  parted  with  Hugh 
McMullin,  and  crossing  the  great  river  St.  Lawrence, 
we  lodged  at  an  inn.  Next  day,  continued  our  jour- 
ney through  the  fifteen  mile  woods  and  the  ten  mile 
woods,  and  crossed  a  large  river  on  the  ice.  23rd. 
Travelled  through  the  twelve  mile  woods,  and  cross- 
ed Black  river  on  the  ice.  Next  day,  we  went  on  the 
snow,  that  appeared  to  be  about  four  feet  deep  on  a 
level,  and  so  hard  that  it  bore  our  horses.  Thus  we 
came  on  to  Gahvay  the  27th  of  3d  month,  and  next 
day  attended  meeting  there,  which  was  a  refreshing 
season  in  meeting  again  with  my  old  friends.  The 
29th,  I  set  out  for  my  own  home,  and  came  on  very 
cheerfully,  in  hopes  of  seeing  my  dear  wife  and  chil- 
dren that  evening.  But  when  I  came  to  my  friend 
Isaac  Leggett's,  he  told  me  the  North  river  could 
not  be  passed  on  account  of  the  rottenness  of  the  ice. 
I  stayed  till  next  morning, when  I  went  down  to  the 
river  bank,  and  found  the  ice  mostly  gone,  so  that  I 
was  ferried  over  without  difficulty,  and  arrived  safe- 
ly at  home  on  the  30th  of  3d  month,  to  my  own  and 
family's  joy  and  satisfaction.  Thanks  be  to  the  Lord 
forever,  for  all  his  mercies  and  favours  to  me;  and 
especially  in  this  long  and  tedious  journey ;  preserv- 
ing me  through  a  long  and  hard  winter;  as  well  as 
through  dangers,  difficulties,  and  perils  in  the  wilder- 
ness,— perils  and  dangers  in  crossing  rivers  on  the 
ice,  and  riding  in  extreme  bad  roads.  But  through 
all,  I  have  been  preserved,  and  brought  home  in  great 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


137 


peace  of  mind,  as  well  as  bodily  health;  having  been 
from  home  in  this  journey  three  months,  and  travel- 
ed according  to  computation  upwards  of  twelve  hun- 
dred miles. 

After  my  return  from  Upper  Canada,  I  felt  a  revi- 
val of  the  concern  to  remove  to  Northampton,  within 
the  verge  of  Galway  monthly  and  Mayfield  prepara- 
tive meeting.  Having  thought  for  several  years  that 
it  would  be  right  to  spend  a  part  of  my  time  there, 
as  a  member  among  those  newly  convinced  people; 
and  the  way  now  opening  therefor,  I  laid  the  con- 
cern before  Friends  of  Easton  monthly  meeting,  and 
obtained  their  concurrence  and  certificate.  After  let- 
ting my  farm  in  Easton  to  one  of  my  sons,  I  set  out 
with  my  family  on  the  I7th  of  the  5th  month,  1804, 
and  in  two  days  arrived  at  Northampton,  at  the  place 
of  our  new  residence,  within  one  mile  of  where  the 
meeting  was  held. 

7th  mo.  1st.  Since  I  have  been  here,  I  have  steadily 
attended  meetings  as  they  came  in  course,  in  which 
my  mouth  and  heart  have  been  frequently  opened, 
and  I  have  been  Divinely  helped  to  sound  forth  the 
gospel  in  the  life  and  power  thereof,  to  the  satisfac- 
tion and  peace  of  my  own  mind,  and  I  trust  to  the 
encouragement  of  the  little  flock  settled  here  in  these 
new  parts  of  the  world.  Praised  be  the  Lord, for  all 
his  favours  now  and  forever. 

On  the  15th  of  the  lOlh  month,  I  set  out  with  my 
wife,  in  order  to  visit  our  aged  father  Hoxsie,  at 
Beekman-town,  and  some  others  of  our  relations  and 
friends.  In  the  journey,  we  attended  the  meeting  at 
Quemans,  in  which  I  had  an  open  time  in  the  minis- 
try. On  the  30th  we  reached  our  father's  house,  and 
12  * 


138 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


next  day  were  at  their  mid-week  meeting.  We  also 
attended  the  Quarterly  meeting  at  Nine  Partners  in 
the  11th  month,  at  which  was  our  friend  Richard 
Jordan  from  Hartford  in  Connecticut.  We  were  like- 
wise at  our  Quarterly  meeting  at  Easton,  and  return- 
ed home  on  the  22d  of  the  1 1th  month. 

1st  mo.  13th,  1805.  At  our  little  meeting  at  May- 
field,  the  Lord  opened  my  understanding  in  a  re- 
markahle  manner,  and  I  was  led  in  public  testimony 
to  treat  of  the  one  thing  needful  for  all  to  attend  to, 
namely,  our  own  gifts  placed  in  our  minds  individu- 
ally; and  that  it  was  the  same  Divine  gift  which  the 
righteous  in  all  ages  had  to  attend  to,  in  order  that 
their  steps  might  be  directed  aright:  also  that  it  was 
the  same  in  this  gospel  day,  by  which  the  faithful 
are  enabled  to  fear  God  and  work  righteousness  so  as 
to  be  accepted  of  him.  Under  a  humbling  sense  of 
the  heavenly  power  attending,  my  heart  and  knees 
were  bowed  in  solemn  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  to 
whom  all  praise,  adoration,  and  renown  belongeth 
forever  and  ever. 

About  this  time,  it  appeared  right  for  me  to  sell 
my  farm  at  Easton,  and  purchase  one  here  in  order 
for  a  permanent  settlement  the  remainder  of  my  days. 
1  accordingly  bought  a  small  tract  of  land,  and  re- 
moved on  it  with  my  family.  This  I  did  under  a 
sense  of  religious  duty;  and  not  for  the  sake  of  add- 
ing to  my  estate.  But  I  have  seen  the  danger  of  self- 
interest  being  so  mixed  with  our  best  intentions  (es- 
pecially in  removing  from  one  place  to  another)  that 
it  gets  the  pre-eminence  in  the  mind,  and  bears  such 
sway  that  people  are  apt  to  mistake  it  for  something 
higher,  and  so  take  darkness  for  light  as  to  bring 
themselves  into  many  trials  and  difficulties,  which 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


139 


might  have  been  avoided  by  keeping  in  humility, 
and  strictly  maintaining  the  watch.  In  the  sale  of  my 
property  at  Easton,  I  had  much  trouble  and  perplex- 
ity, and  great  anxiety  in  order  to  meet  my  engage- 
ments, being  several  times  disappointed;  yet,  as  I  had 
acted  on  a  principle  of  religious  duty,  I  had  a  hope 
of  getting  through  so  that  my  character  and  the  cred- 
it of  society  should  not  suffer  by  any  delay  or  defi- 
ciency. And  so  it  was,  after  all  my  trials,  difficulties, 
and  anxieties,  that  1  was  fiivored  to  meet  my  engage- 
ments, and  was  carried  through  all  to  my  own  satis- 
faction, and  that  of  my  friends  in  general:  and  it 
hath  been  a  confirmation  to  me  that  I  am  here  an  in- 
habitant of  this  place  in  the  Lord's  will;  praises  be 
to  him  foi-ever  and  ever. 

In  the  5th  month,  I  attended  the  Quarterly  meet- 
ing at  Easton,  and  in  the  6th,  our  monthly  meeting 
at  Galway.  I  also  attended  a  marriage  which  was 
solemnized  at  Mayfield  meeting.  Being  the  first  in 
these  parts  in  the  way  of  Friends,  many  people  came 
as  spectators,  who  behaved  civilly,  and  I  had  an  op- 
portunity to  declare  the  Truth  among  them,  under  a 
sense  of  Divine  aid.  About  this  time,  I  had  an  exer- 
cising trial  with  one  of  my  neighbours,  not  a  member 
of  our  society,  who  often  attended  our  little  meeting, 
with  his  family,  and  sometimes  offered  something  by 
way  of  public  testimony.  But  as  his  conduct  was  not 
regular,  his  communications  became  very  burden- 
some; and  as  there  was  no  male  elder  among  us,  it 
lay  upon  me  to  request  him  to  refrain  from  speaking 
among  us:  so  I  took  a  solid  opportunity,  and  laid 
things  fairly  and  honestly  before  him,  advising  him 
to  be  silent  for  the  future,  for  that  his  testimony 
could  not  be  received  in  the  unity.  All  this  he  seem- 


140 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


ed  to  bear  with  a  good  degree  of  patience;  but  he 
afterwards  absented  himself  from  our  meetings. 

In  the  8th  month,  being  under  appointment  with 
two  elders  from  the  select  meeting  to  visit  a  Friend 
who  had  given  some  uneasiness  on  account  of  his 
public  communications,  we  took  an  opportunity  with 
him.  In  this  interview,  we  informed  him  that  inas- 
much as  Friends  could  not  unite  with  him  in  believ- 
ing he  was  rightly  called  to  the  ministry, — and  aa 
the  uneasiness  with  his  appearances  had  been  of  sev- 
eral years  continuance, — and  also  that  he  had  been 
several  times  admonished  and  advised  in  the  case,  he 
might  now  feel  himself  clear  and  fully  excused  from 
offering  any  thing  in  public.  He  received  our  re- 
marks with  becoming  patience,  and  did  not  appear 
stubborn  or  self-willed.  But  Oh!  how  hard  it  is  to 
deal  with  a  lifeless  ministry,  especially  if  the  words 
in  themselves  are  good,  and  yet  lack  the  life  and 
power  in  their  delivery.  I  am  afraid  that  a  number  of 
ministers  among  us  as  a  society,  are  too  much  caught 
in  this  snare.  They  seem  to  think  they  have  a  talent 
for  speaking,  and  can  remember  the  scriptures  so  as 
to  quote  them,  and  thereby  strengthen  or  embellish 
their  discourses  (as  they  think)  so  as  to  make  a  pretty 
fair  argument;  concluding  from  this  that  they  are  call- 
ed to  tfie  ministry.  These  at  best  are  clothed  but  in 
part  with  the  garments  of  the  priesthood;  they  may 
have  the  bells,  but  want  the  pomegranates,  which 
seems  to  me  the  most  material  part;  for  what  is 
sound,  without  the  savour  of  life? 

22nd.  We  were  visited  by  our  friends,  Zopher 
Green,  Ruth  Hallock,  and  Sarah  PIull,  from  Nine 
Partners,  and  they  had  a  favoured  meeting  with  us; 
also  a  precious  opportunity  at  parting.  Soon  after  this 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


141 


my  mind  sunk  so  low  that  I  seemed  for  several  weeks 
as  in  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.  At  length, 
the  candle  of  the  Lord  was  again  lighted  in  my  heart 
by  the  well-spring  of  Divine  life  arising;  and  then  I 
could  say  with  Solomon,  "To  every  thing  there  is  a 
season,  and  a  time  for  every  purpose  under  heaven;" 
which  1  understand  in  a  spiritual  sense;  and  may  add, 
there  are  spiritual  days  and  nights,  as  well  as  natural 
ones:  for  so  in  my  measure  I  have  found  it  by  expe- 
rience. After  this,  the  spring  of  the  gospel  ministry 
again  opened  and  flowed  through  me,  in  several  of 
our  little  meetings,  to  the  watering  of  the  flock  and 
family  o*"  the  Lord's  heritage. 

Thus  enlargement  has  followed  after  a  night  sea- 
son of  gloominess,  in  which  the  spiritual  atmosphere 
seemed  all  overcast  with  clouds,  so  that  I  could  not 
discover  even  a  star  to  give  me  light,  so  as  to  make 
a  step  with  any  degree  of  safety.  In  this  state,  I  found 
it  safest  to  endeavour  to  stand  still,  and  trust  in  the 
salvation  of  the  Lord:  but  even  in  this  exercise,  it  is 
sometimes  difficult  to  attain  to  a  sufficient  stability  of 
mind;  for  when  we  are  surrounded  with  distress  on 
every  hand,  it  seems  natural  for  us  to  strive  to  help 
ourselves  in  some  way  or  other,  in  order  that  we 
may  become  extricated  from  these  trials.  Happy  are 
those  that  attain  to  a  true  stability  of  mind,  possess- 
ing their  souls  in  patience,  and  thus  maintaining  the 
spiritual  watch  or  warfare  in  a  right  manner  through 
the  night  season  to  the  springing  of  the  day,  and  till 
the  sun  of  righteousness  again  arises  in  the  soul;  for 
then  it  is  that  we  may  see  clearly  as  in  day-light 
how  to  take  safe  steps  in  our  heavenly  journey.  Oh! 
the  preciousness  of  spiritual  day-light!  It  is  not  in 
the  power  of  words  to  describe  it. 


142 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


On  the  7th  of  2nd  mo.  1806,  I  set  out  with  my 
wife  and  son  William,  to  attend  our  Quarterly  meet- 
ing at  Easton.  On  first-day  the  9th,  I  was  at  Milton 
meeting;  but  the  weather  was  exceedingly  boisterous 
and  windy,  the  timber  falling  very  thickly,  with 
limbs  and  pieces  of  bark  flying  almost  continually  in 
every  direction, — so  that  we  went  to  meeting  as  it 
were  at  the  risk  of  our  lives;  yet,  through  the  mer- 
cy of  God,  we  escaped  unhurt.  But  the  meeting  was 
very  small;  only  four  men  and  two  women  attend- 
ing. At  our  Quarterly  meeting  we  had  the  accept- 
able company  and  edifying  labours  of  Mary  New- 
bold  and  Elizabeth  Coleman  from  Burlington,  New 
Jersey,  and  Henry  Hull  from  Stanford.  The  women 
Friends  were  also  at  our  monthly  meeting  at  Gal- 
way,  the  19th.  From  thence  my  wife  and  I  set  out 
to  visit  some  requesters  at  Western,  being  nearly  one 
hundred  miles  distant.  On  the  20th,  we  went  on, 
with  several  other  Friends  under  appointment  of 
the  monthly  meeting,  making  two  sleigh  loads,  and 
three  men  on  horseback.  Next  day  we  travelled 
through  the  woods  and  over  hills  and  rocks,  till  we 
came  to  a  new  settlement  in  a  town  called  Stratford; 
where  we  were  stopped  by  reason  of  a  bridge  over 
a  large  stream  of  water  having  been  washed  away 
the  evening  before.  There  appearing  to  be  no  way 
to  gain  our  ground  without  going  thirty  miles  round, 
and  several  other  sleighs  loaded  with  goods,  men, 
women,  and  children  coming  up,  our  situation  was 
very  trying;  but  most  of  the  men  set  out  to  repair 
the  bridge,  so  that  we  might  at  least  cross  on  foot 
and  ford  the  horses  over.  While  this  was  going  on, 
my  mind  became  much  exercised  about  having  a 
meeting  among  the  people  of  the  settlement;  and  a 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


143 


little  before  night,  one  of  the  inhabitants  came  to 
me  and  inquired  whether  Friends  thought  to  have  a 
meeting  among  them  that  evening;  saying  he  thought 
there  would  be  great  openness  to  attend  it.  On  con- 
sulting with  Friends,  a  meeting  was  accordingly  held 
at  half  past  seven,  and  was  attended  by  a  considera- 
ble number  of  people,  considering  the  shortness  of 
the  notice;  and  to  me  it  appeared  to  be  a  precious 
visitation  to  many  of  them.  Next  day,  our  company 
got  over  on  the  newly  constructed  bridge,  and  the 
other  travellers  might  also  have  got  over  safely  had 
they  been  more  prudent;  but  on  attempting  to  take 
a  loaded  sleigh  across,  the  weight  of  it  and  the  men 
who  were  drawing  and  pushing  it,  was  too  much,  and 
one  of  the  string-pieces  broke,  precipitating  them  all 
into  the  rapid  stream  below:  but,  through  favour  they 
all  got  out  safe.  On  the  24th  we  reached  Zacheus 
Hill's  in  Western;  and  after  visiting  those  who  had 
requested  to  be  received  into  membership,  and  hav- 
ing a  good  meeting  among  them  and  divers  of  their 
neighbours,  we  returned  home:  where,  through  much 
hard  labour  and  fatigue,  we  arrived  on  the  last  day 
of  the  2d  month. 

4lh  month  20th.  Of  late  an  opposing  spirit  has 
threatened  to  break  the  peace  and  destroy  the  unity 
of  some  of  the  members  of  our  little  meeting;  which 
very  much  affected  my  mind.  But  by  timely  care 
this  evil  spirit  was  frustrated,  and  Friends  settled  in 
peace  and  harmony  again.  Oh!  how  good  and  pro- 
fitable it  is  to  keep  on  the  watch-tower,  so  as  to  dis- 
cover all  the  assaults  of  an  enemy  in  proper  season 
to  resist  him;  for  it  is  much  easier  to  oppose  an  evil 
spirit  in  his  early  approaches,  than  when  sufiered  to 
enter  and  keep  his  ground  in  the  heart  for  any  length 
of  time. 


144 


JOURNAL  OP  RUF0S  HALL. 


21st.  I  went  on  foot  to  our  preparative  meeting, 
and  thenee  through  heavy  rain  to  the  select  prepara- 
tive meeting  at  Galway;  also  attended  the  monthly 
meeting  tliere,  in  which  I  had  a  very  close,  search- 
ing testimony  from  this  portion  of  scripture,  "  Take 
us  the  foxes,  the  little  foxes  that  spoil  the  tender 
vines."  As  it  then  opened  in  my  understanding,  I 
had  to  set  forth  the  nature  of  the  foxes;  how  cunning 
they  were,  and  that  they  were  said  to  have  many 
cunning  artifices  to  catch  their  prey;  and  also  very 
secret  hiding  places,  or  holes  in  the  earth, — often- 
times getting  so  deep  that  it  required  very  hard  la- 
bour and  a  good  resolution  to  dig  them  out.  All 
this  was  applied  in  a  spiritual  sense,  though  I  was 
ignorant  of  the  cause,  until  the  meeting  for  business 
opened;  in  the  course  of  which  the  subtil  nature  of 
the  fox  showed  itself  openly,  but  soon  darted  into 
its  hole  and  hid  itself  as  well  as  it  could.  Let  all 
beware  of  this  cunning  spirit  of  human  policy,  es- 
pecially in  the  exercise  of  discipline  and  religious 
concerns. 

9th  mo.  12th.  I  have  passed  through  another  sea- 
son of  deep  exercise  and  travail  of  spirit,  in  which  I 
have  had  to  believe  that  I  was  baptized  for  the  dead, 
and  brought  to  feel  for  some  others  that  concern 
which  they  scarcely  feel  for  themselves,  by  reason 
of  the  great  stupidity  that  prevails  in  their  minds, 
occasioned  for  want  of  a  lively  concern  being  main- 
tained for  their  own  good.  During  this  exercising 
time,  my  beloved  friends.  Pardon  Macomber  and 
David  Howland  having  some  meetings  in  these  parts 
sent  me  word  that  they  thought  of  having  one  in  this 
neighbourhood,  and  proposed  my  joining  them  in  the 
concern.    This  I  readily  accepted,  having  felt  a  like 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


145 


concern  for  some  time;  and  we  had  a  satisfactory 
meeting  in  a  neighbourhood  of  people  not  far  from 
my  dwelling,  who  made  no  profession  to  religion. 
The  spring  of  gospel  ministry  flowed  freely,  tending 
to  stir  them  up  to  a  serious  thoughtfulness  of  their 
latter  end.  Next  day,  my  wife  and  I  accompanied 
Pardon  Macomber  to  a  meeting  over  the  bow  of  the 
river,  among  the  Methodists,  and  one  in  the  after- 
noon among  the  Baptists  at  Northfield.  The  day 
following  we  attended  another  meeting  at  Provi- 
dence, to  satisfaction,  and  then  parting  with  our 
friend  Pardon,  we  returned  home. 

nth  mo.  2nd.  Although  I  sometimes  fear  I  shall 
make  my  account  seem  tedious  to  some,  by  so  often 
reciting  the  favours  I  have  received  from  the  heaven- 
ly Master; — yet,  because  they  are  always  new  to  me, 
they  are  refreshing  and  encouraging;  and  I  think  I 
ought  not  only  to  write  them  down  with  pen,  ink 
and  paper,  but  also  imprint  them  in  my  thoughts  and 
on  my  heart:  for  surely  they  ought  to  be  esteemed 
by  me  more  precious  than  jewels  of  gold.  On  the 
5th,  we  had  a  good  meeting,  increased  by  the  atten- 
dance of  our  friends,  Gideon  Mollineux  and  James 
Hallock,  of  New  Marlborough  monthly  meeting. — 
Oh!  how  sweetly  did  Gideon,  that  son  of  consolation, 
water  our  little  flock!  So  that  I  believe  we  were  all 
fully  convinced  that  the  Lord  hath  not  yet  forsaken 
his  heritage:  praises  to  his  name  forever. 

12th  month  21st.  In  our  silent  meetings  of  late,  I 
have  felt  peace  in  believing  that  the  heavenly  Master 
himself  was  teaching  his  little  flock  and  family  the 
use  of  silence,  and  where  to  look  for  Divine  help; 
that  is,  inwardly,  in  our  own  hearts  and  minds,  in- 
dividually; where  we  may  all  find  the  very  best  of 
13 


146 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


teaching:  for  Christ  teacheth  in  the  heart  as  never 
man  taught;  that  is,  with  life,  authority  and  preci- 
sion. 

On  the  ISth  of  the  1st  month,  1807,  I  was  again 
greatly  favoured  in  public  testimony;  although  I  had 
laboured  hard  for  a  silent  meeting,  feeling  much  un- 
willingness 30  often  to  expose  myself  in  this  public 
way.  But  through  Divine  help  I  was  enabled  to  see 
with  clearness  that  obedience  is  the  best  sacrifice; 
whether  it  be  in  speaking  or  in  silence.  Oh!  may 
the  heavenly  Father  keep  me  to  it,  till  all  self  in  me 
is  truly  brought  under  in  humble  submission  to  his 
blessed  will.  Considering  the  many  favours  I  have 
received,  my  heart  felt  humbled  and  this  prayer  arose, 

0  Lord,  keep  and  preserve  me  through  heights  and 
depths,  so  that  I  may  bring  no  dishonour  to  thy  holy 
name. 

25th  and  first  of  the  week,  a  silent  meeting  to-day, 
in  which  I  was  well  satisfied  that  if  people  do  not 
learn  the  usefulness  of  true  silence,  all  the  preaching 
in  the  world  will  do  them  little  good. 

Having  had  drawings  in  my  mind  for  some  time, 
to  visit  the  few  Friends  and  some  others  in  and  about 
Western,  I  set  out  in  company  with  my  wife,  and 
reached  there  on  the  28th  of  1st  month.  Next  day, 
attended  their  fifth-day  meeting,  which  was  a  solemn, 
profitable  time;  and  the  day  following  had  a  meeting 
about  five  miles  westward,  in  which  I  was  led  to 
treat  on  baptism  and  the  supper  (so  called)  in  a  par- 
ticular manner,  setting  forth  what  the  true  baptism 
and  supper  are.  In  giving  a  description  of  this  baptism, 

1  was  favoured  to  set  it  forth  in  so  clear  a  light  that  I 
was  led  to  query  with  them,  whether  they  thought 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


147 


that  if  a  person  was  truly  and  spiritually  baptized  or 
exercised  therein,  and  lived  a  righteous  life,  though 
never  dipped  or  sprinkled  with  water,  such  person 
would  be  lost  at  last,  or  at  the  winding  up  of  time? 
And,  on  the  other  hand,  whether  all,  or  even  any 
that  were  dipped  or  sprinkled  with  water,  and  yet 
never  had  experienced  the  inward  or  spiritual  bap- 
tism, were  saved?  And,  if  Spirit-baptism  was  saving 
without  the  help  of  water, — and  if  water-baptism 
was  not  saving  without  the  Spirit, — then  it  was  the 
Spirit-baptism  that  was  the  irtie  and  saving  bap- 
tism: and  therefore  water-baptism  was  not  worth 
contending  for.  During  my  communication,  the 
meeting  seemed  to  be  in  a  solemn,  tender  frame,  and 
so  continued  till  the  close.  I  afterward  understood 
the  people  were  mostly  Baptists. 

After  visiting  some  families,  and  attending  the 
meeting  at  Western  on  first-day,  which  was  large  and 
a  good  meeting,  we  set  out  homewards.  In  the  even- 
ing, in  company  with  Pardon  Macomber,  we  had  a 
meeting  at  Steuben;  in  which  I  was  nearly  silent, 
but  Pardon  had  a  lengthy  testimony  to  the  relief  of 
my  mind:  after  which  I  just  told  them,  that  though 
Paul  may  plant  and  Apollos  water,  it  is  God  that 
giveth  the  increase,  and  my  prayers  were  that  God 
would  give  them  the  increase  or  blessing  of  the  right 
use  of  this  meeting.  Next  day,  we  came  on  home- 
wards and  had  an  evening  meeting  at  Norway;  being 
the  first  Friends'  meeting  held  in  that  part  of  the 
country.  May  the  service  of  it  be  like  bread  cast 
upon  the  waters,  that  may  be  found  hereafter.  We 
reached  home  the  4th  of  2d  month,  where  we  found 
my  brother-in-law,  Benjamin  Coon  and  his  wife  my 
sister  Rachel,  with  their  daughter  Phebe,  on  a  visit 


148 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


to  US  from  Easton:  of  whose  company  I  was  truly 
glad;  they  being  near  to  me  in  the  best  sense,  as  well 
as  outward  relationship.  Next  day  I  set  out  with 
them  in  order  to  attend  our  Quarterly  meeting  at 
Easton;  where  I  met  with  our  friends  Henry  Hull 
from  Stanford,  and  Richard  Mott  from  near  New 
York.  They  had  good  service  among  us,  and  it  was 
a  favoured  meeting;  though  very  large,  yet  remarka- 
bly still  and  quiet.  Richard  was  eminently  favoured 
in  the  public  meeting,  the  gospel  flowing  from  his 
lips  about  two  hours,  like  the  running  of  a  clear  river 
of  water. 

Under  a  concern  to  visit  the  meetings  within  the 
limits  of  Queensbury  monthly  meeting,  I  left  home 
on  the  24th  of  the  2d  month,  1807,  accompanied  by 
my  wife,  and  was  at  the  monthly  meeting,  and  the 
meeting  at  Chester.  I  also  visited  several  Friends' 
families,  and  returned  by  way  of  Greenfield  mid- 
week meeting  and  through  Galway,  reaching  home 
the  5th  of  3d  month.  After  which  I  steadily  attend- 
ed our  own  meetings  when  in  health,  but  had  seasons 
of  much  inward  poverty  and  discouragements.  Yet 
in  my  lowest  seasons,  I  remembered  that  my  heaven- 
ly Father  had  loved  me,  and  I  felt  a  little  hope  that 
he  would  love  me  to  the  end:  this  kept  me  from  be- 
ing swallowed  up  by  the  waves  of  affliction.  But 
blessed  be  his  holy  name,  he  hath  again  lifted  up  my 
head,  and  enabled  me  to  bear  a  living  testimony  to 
his  blessed  Truth  in  our  meeting  at  Northampton, 
this  7th  day  of  the  6th  month,  1807. 

9th  mo.  20th.  For  some  time  past,  I  have  seen  so 
little  utility  in  keeping  up  this  account  of  my  life, 
that  I  have  omitted  it:  but  of  late  the  charge  given 
to  the  disciples  has  been  brought  to  my  recollection, 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL, 


149 


"  Gather  up  the  fragments,  that  nothing  may  be  lost," 
and  I  have  been  induced  to  pen  it  down,  hoping  that 
at  least  some  of  my  remarks  may  be  like  bread  cast 
on  the  waters  that  may  be  found  again  after  many 
days,  to  the  refreshment  of  some  poor  tribulated 
soul. 

Being  under  appointment,  with  several  other 
Friends  of  our  monthly  meeting,  to  visit  the  Friends 
settled  at  Black  river,  a  remote  part  of  our  monthly 
meeting,  I  felt  so  poor  and  unequal  to  the  task  that  I 
sought  many  excuses.  But  Benjamin  Peck,  a  Friend 
of  Milton,  came  to  my  house  on  the  1st  of  the  1st 
month,  ISOS,  in  order  to  join  in  the  visit;  and  next 
day  we  set  out  on  the  journey,  though  very  much  in 
the  cross  to  my  mind.  The  weather  being  cold,  and 
I  advanced  in  years,  and  withal  feeling  so  poor  in 
spirit,  that  I  thought  there  was  little  prospect  of  my 
doing  or  receiving  any  good.  However,  in  the  even- 
ing we  overtook  the  other  friends  of  the  committee, 
and  had  a  long  conference  with  the  landlord  at  the 
inn  where  we  lodged,  on  the  subject  of  using  com- 
pliments;— calling  the  days  of  the  week  and  of  the 
months  after  heathen  idols; — taking  oaths,  and  water- 
baptism.  He  appeared  satisfied  with  our  way  of  ex- 
plaining our  views  on  these  subjects,  and  acknow- 
ledged that  he  had  never  before  seen  them  , in  the 
same  light.  The  day  following,  at  the  inn  where  we 
stopped  to  bait  our  horses,  we  had  conversation  with 
the  man  and  his  wife  on  the  subject  of  baptism, 
(they  being  of  that  persuasion)  insomuch  that  both 
of  them  were  tendered,  and  we  left  them  with  friend- 
ly feelings.  Thence,  through  a  snow  storm  and  se- 
vere cold  weather,  we  travelled  on  till  we  came  to 
our  friend  Joseph  Child's,  in  the  town  of  Le-Ray,  near 
13* 


150 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


Black  river,  where  we  were  kindly  received.  Finding 
there  were  three  settlements  of  Friends  in  these 
parts,  we  concluded  to  appoint  a  meeting  at  each; 
and  on  the  6th  of  1st  mo.  attended  the  first,  at  which 
we  met  with  our  friends.  Pardon  Macomber  and 
Zaccheus  Hill.  Although  the  fore  part  of  this  meet- 
ing was  trying  to  me;  yet  Truth  gained  the  victory 
at  last,  notwithstanding  some  things  went  close  and 
trying.  The  next  was  to  pretty  good  satisfaction; 
and  the  third,  a  highly  favoured  one,  at  a  place  where 
I  had  most  dreaded  to  go,  on  account  of  their  being 
great  people  (as  I  thought)  for  some  of  them  were  rich 
in  this  world:  but  this  last  meeting  seemed  as  the 
crown  of  all,  and  I  was  truly  glad  that  I  had  given 
up  to  visit  them;  although  my  nature  was  loth  to 
yield  to  it.  Here  may  be  another  lesson  of  instruc- 
tion, that  there  is  strength  in  weakness,  as  we  are 
given  up  in  true  faithfulness,  trusting  in  the  Lord 
alone. 

On  the  8th,  we  set  off  homewards  through  a  tedi- 
ous snow  storm,  and  in  the  evening  attended  a  meet- 
ing appointed  for  us  at  Lowville,  a  place  where  no 
Friends  reside.  We  had  a  good  opportunity  to  de- 
clare Truth  to  the  people  to  satisfaction;  though  some 
of  them  seemed  unacquainted  with  the  nature  of  si- 
lent worship.  Next  day  we  attended  Friends'  meet- 
ing at  Western,  where  we  met  with  our  friend  Phebe 
Field,  and  some  others;  and  there  being  a  meeting 
appointed  for  our  said  friend  at  a  school  house  in  the 
evening,  we  attended  that  also,  and  it  was  a  favoured 
time.  The  day  following,  we  travelled  forty-seven 
miles  through  a  storm  of  hail  and  rain;  a  more  tedi- 
ous time  I  have  rarely  met  with;  our  clothes  being 
frozen  stifl'as  boards.    Lodged  at  an  inn,  and  on  the 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


151 


1 1th,  we  reached  home.  Praises  be  to  the  Lord  for 
ali  his  favours,  henceforth  and  forever. 

On  the  8th  of  the  5th  month,  I  left  home  in  order 
to  attend  our  Quarterly  meeting  at  Easton,  and  also 
if  way  opened,  to  attend  our  approaching  Yearly 
Meeting  at  New  York;  but  on  the  way  I  took  a  great 
cold,  and  was  so  much  unwell  that  I  had  to  leave  the 
meeting  for  discipline,  and  was  confined  to  the  house 
for  two  days.  On  the  15th,  being  a  little  better,  and 
having  a  desire  to  sit  with  Friends  at  Half-moon,  I 
went  there  and  attended  their  meeting  next  day,  to 
the  peace  of  my  mind.  Lodged  at  William  Gary's, 
a  Friend  of  that  place  and  a  doctor;  and  in  discours- 
ing with  him,  I  told  him  I  had  a  desire  to  attend  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  but  was  under  some  discouragement 
on  account  of  my  poor  health,  and  some  other  things. 
He  removed  all  my  difficulties,  and  I  took  new  cou- 
rage to  go  on;  thinking  that,  considering  my  advan- 
ced age  and  declining  constitution,  with  the  great 
distance  from  my  habitation,  it  might  be  the  last 
time  I  should  ever  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting.  Next 
day,  we  went  on  board  a  sloop  at  Troy,  and  had  a 
good  passage  of  fifty-two  hours,  down  the  North 
river  to  New  York.  About  thirty  passengers  were 
on  board,  and  we  had  a  good  meeting  in  the  cabin, 
in  which  several  of  us  had  some  public  service. 

While  in  New  York,  I  lodged  with  our  kind  friend 
Richard  R.  Lawrence.  The  Yearly  Meeting  of  min- 
isters and  elders  began  on  the  21st  of  the  5th  month. 
Next  day,  the  meetings  for  worship  at  Pearl  and 
Liberty  streets  were  very  large,  both  fore  and  after- 
noon. At  that  held  at  Liberty  street,  I  had  some 
public  service;  but  there  being  several  ministering 
Friends  from  Pennsylvania,  Baltimore,  and  other 


152 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


places,  with  large  gifts,  I  thought  it  my  place  to  be 
as  still  as  possible,  lest  I  should  stand  in  the  way  of 
some  greater  service.  I  am  afraid  this  care  is  not  al- 
ways so  well  observed  as  it  ought  to  be;  yet  I  cannot 
advise  any  to  omit  any  clearly  manifest  duty,  but  obey 
the  injunction  of  Christ  to  watch. 

Many  weighty  matters  came  before  Friends  at  this 
Yearly  Meeting,  which  were  considered  with  much 
solidity  and  unity;  and  truly  I  thought  I  had  never 
attended  a  more  favoured  Yearly  Meeting.  Blessed 
be  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits.  On  the  28th,  we 
went  on  board  the  sloop,  and  arrived  at  Troy  on  the 
1st  of  the  Gth  month;  thence,  taking  Friends'  meet- 
ing at  Ballstown  on  the  way,  I  reached  home  on  the 
3d,  and  found  my  wife  and  family  well. 

6th  mo.  25th.  John  Simpson  from  Pennsylvania, 
had  a  meeting  appointed  at  our  meeting  house,  and 
it  was  a  highly  favoured  season:  life  and  light  seem- 
ed to  flow,  as  a  river  overflowing  its  banks. 

9th  mo.  3d.  Discouragements  of  late  have  induced 
me  to  omit  making  any  memorandums  of  my  life. 
And  though  I  have  little  or  no  expectation  of  this 
journal  ever  being  published  for  general  use,  )'et  I 
do  not  feel  quite  easy  without  leaving  some  account, 
for  the  use  of  my  children  particularly;  and  it  may 
be  that  some  others  may  read  it  when  I  am  gone  the 
way  of  the  rest  of  mankind.  If  so,  they  may  see  how 
the  Lord  hath  dealt  with  me  at  times;  and  at  the  pre- 
sent, I  may  gratefully  acknowledge  that  he  hath  not 
forsaken  me;  though  I  still  have  in  remembrance  the 
wormwood  and  the  gall,  )'et  I  have  hope  that  he  will 
sustain  and  strengthen  me  to  the  end. 


The  19th  of  the  Uth  month,  1809.  It  has  been 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


153 


more  than  a  year  since  I  have  recorded  any  thing  in 
this  account:  during  which  time  I  have  passed  thro' 
divers  trials  and  exercises  of  various  kinds;  some- 
times cast  down  so  low  that  I  could  see  little  hope 
of  rising  again: — then  light  would  spring  up  un- 
expectedly, to  my  great  encouragement;  so  that  in 
some  of  these  favoured  seasons,  I  saw  there  was  dan- 
ger of  soaring  too  high;  and  this  hath  humbled  my 
soul,  with  thanksgiving  and  praise  to  the  great  Pre- 
server of  my  best  life.  But  through  all,  I  have  been 
able  to  attend  our  religious  meetings,  and  also  some 
of  those  in  Stanford  Quarterly  meeting;  namely, 
Duanesburg  monthly  meeting,  held  at  Otego;  Bur- 
lington, and  the  newly-set-up  meeting  at  Butternuts. 
I  have  also  felt  at  times  a  growing  concern  to  visit 
the  meetings  of  Friends  to  the  southward,  belonging 
to  our  Yearly  Meeting.  After  some  time,  being  in 
company  with  my  dear  friend  David  Howland,  a 
Friend  in  the  ministry,  it  came  livingly  before  me 
to  ask  him  whether  he  had  not  some  thoughts  of 
making  a  visit  to  the  southward  ?  After  a  pause  of 
silence,  he  said  he  had  such  thoughts,  but  had  not 
mentioned  the  subject  to  any  one;  neither  should  he 
then,  if  I  had  not  asked  him.  When  I  opened  my 
prospect  to  him,  he  said,  "  Perhaps  it  may  be  right 
for  us  to  go  together."  So  we  let  the  matter  rest  for 
that  time.  Some  time  after,  we  conferred  together 
again  upon  the  subject,  when  the  way  appeared  open 
to  lay  our  concerns  before  the  monthly  meeting;  and 
David  did  so,  obtaining  a  minute  of  concurrence  for 
that  purpose:  but  I  could  not  feel  sufficient  life  in 
the  concern  to  open  it  to  Friends,  at  that  time. 

After  passing  through  various  trials  for  several 
months,  the  prospect  of  this  religious  visit  so  re- 


154 


JOURNAL  OF  RTJFUS  HALL. 


vived  that  I  could  not  have  true  peace  and  satisfac- 
tion, until  I  laid  it  before  our  monthly  meeting  for 
the  sympathy  and  concurrence  of  my  friends;  and 
they  uniting  with  me  therein,  gave  me  a  minute  for 
that  purpose.  May  the  Lord's  presence  go  with  me, 
and  preserve  me  through  all  my  future  trials,  to  his 
honour  and  praise,  is  the  sincere  desire  of  my  soul. 

On  the  13th  of  the  Sth  month,  1810,  I  left  home 
to  proceed  on  my  visit  to  the  meetings  in  the  south- 
ern Quarterly  meetings.  After  attending  our  Quar- 
terly meeting  at  Easton,  I  went  on  to  White  Creek, 
where  a  meeting  was  appointed  for  Joseph  Hoag  and 
myself,  which  we  attended  on  the  17th.  Thence 
taking  meetings  at  Pittstown  and  the  Manor,  I  was 
at  Saratoga  monthly  meeting.  Then,  having  Nathan 
Eddy  for  a  companion,  I  attended  meetings  at  Du- 
anesburg,  Berne,  Rensselaerville  and  Middleburg;  at 
the  latter,  we  had  the  company  of  our  friend  Chris- 
topher Healy.  2Sth.  Had  a  very  satisfactory  meet- 
ing at  Oak-hill;  next  day  attended  their  mid-week 
meeting  at  Stanton  Hill,  or  Coeyman's.  Lodged  at 
Wm.  Bedell's,  and  in  the  evening  of  the  day  follow- 
ing, had  a  favoured  meeting  at  Athens.  31st.  Tra- 
velled to  Little  Esopus,  and  next  day  had  a  meeting 
at  that  place  to  good  satisfaction.  Next,  had  a  meet- 
ing at  the  Plains,  and  lodged  at  Jacob  Coutant's;  then 
to  the  house  of  our  friend  Gideon  Mollineux  at  Paltz, 
where  we  had  a  meeting  on  the  3d  of  9th  month,  to 
satisfaction.  Thence  taking  meetings  at  Plattekill. 
New  Marlborough,  the  Valley,  Cornwall  and  Smith'.s 
Clove,  we  parted  with  our  friend  Samuel  Adams  who 
had  accompanied  us  to  the  last  four.  We  then  had 
a  meeting  at  the  Upper  Clove,  and  lodged  at  James 
Cromwell's. 


'JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


155 


11th.  Set  out  in  company  with  Daniel  Bull,  and 
rode  over  the  mountains  to  Kakiat,  where,  in  the 
evening  of  the  12th,  we  had  a  meeting  at  the  house 
of  Daniel  Odell,  in  which  though  I  was  favoured  in 
testimony,  yet  it  seemed  like  pouring  water  on 
stones:  however,  I  felt  clear  in  sounding  an  alarm 
among  them.  Then,  after  an  evening  meeting  at  the 
Sloat,  we  went  on  to  New  York  city,  where  we  at- 
tended the  morning  meeting  at  Liberty  street,  and 
the  afternoon  at  Pearl  street;  both  to  good  satisfac- 
tion. 17th.  In  company  with  Charles  Collins,  we 
went  to  Flushing  on  Long  Island,  and  had  a  meeting 
there.  Next  day,  at  Cow  Neck,  and  the  day  follow- 
ing were  at  Westbury  monthly  meeting,  to  satisfac- 
tion. Dined  with  our  friend  Gideon  Seaman;  and  on 
the  20th,  attended  Jericho  monthly  meeting,  which 
was  a  satisfactory  season.  Dined  at  our  friend  Elias 
Hicks's,  and  lodged  at  Fry  Willis's:  next  day,  had  a 
laborious  meeting  at  Bethpage,  and  the  following 
day,  we  rested  and  wrote  letters  home.  Lodged  again 
at  Elias  Hicks's,  and  on  first-day,  the  23d,  were  at 
Matinicock  meeting,  a  favoured  time.  Thence  we 
crossed  to  York  Island,  and  lodged  at  our  friend  John 
Barrow's.  25th,  had  a  favoured  meeting  in  a  school 
house  at  Manhattanville;  next  day  were  at  West- 
chester mid-week  meeting,  and  lodged  at  Adam 
Mott's.  27th,  attended  Mamaroneck  week-day  meet- 
ing, which  was  a  trying  time  to  me,  so  that  I  had 
hard  work  to  get  any  relief.  Thence  we  went  to 
Middlesex  in  Connecticut,  and  lodged  at  Samuel 
Bishop's;  having  a  meeting  next  day  at  Sam'l  Whit- 
ton's,  to  good  satisfaction.  Thence  to  Purchase 
meeting  on  first-day  morning,  and  one  at  Northcastle 
in  the  afternoon,  both  satisfactory. 


156 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


10th  mo.  1st.  Had  a  trying  meeting  at  Shapaqua 
in  the  forenoon,  and  a  good  one  at  Croton  Valley  in 
the  afternoon.  Lodged  at  Daniel  Sutton's;  and  next 
day  went  in  company  with  Moses  Sutton  to  Croton, 
where  we  attended  a  meeting  appointed  for  Edward 
Brookes  from  London  Grove,  in  Pennsylvania.  3d, 
attended  Peekskill  preparative  meeting,  and  next 
day,  accompanied  by  Stephen  Brown,  that  at  Salem, 
to  good  satisfaction.  The  day  following,  had  a  meet- 
ing at  Amavvalk,  which  was  favoured.  We  then 
crossed  the  High-Lands  to  Oswego,  and  were  at 
meeting  there  on  first-day,  the  7th.  Lodged  at  my 
brother-in-law,  Ladowick  Hoxsie's,  and  rested  there 
two  days,  except  going  to  visit  some  of  my  relations 
and  former  acquaintances.  10th,  was  at  their  prepar- 
ative meeting;  and  next  morning  Nathan  Eddy  re- 
turned homeward:  my  brother-in-law,  Ladowick, 
then  accompanied  me  to  West  Branch  preparative 
meeting,  and  also  to  a  meeting  at  Pleasant  Valley. 
On  first-day,  the  14th,  we  were  at  Apoquage  meet- 
ing, and  next  day  attended  the  monthly  meeting 
held  at  Oblong;  also  one  in  the  evening,  appointed 
by  James  Hallock  and  Alexander  Young,  at  a  school 
house  about  six  miles  off;  in  which  I  found  it  my 
place  to  be  silent,  yet  had  good  satisfaction.  After 
attending  the  select  preparative  meeting  at  Oblong, 
I  had  an  appointed  meeting  at  the  Branch  in  the 
afternoon;  and  lodged  at  Brice  Wing's.  Next  day, 
the  17th,  went  to  New  Milford,  and  had  a  meeting 
there.  Next  day,  travelled  about  fifty  miles  to  Charles 
Gilbert's,  near  Hartford  in  Connecticut,  where  next 
day  we  had  a  meeting  to  good  satisfaction.  We  then 
went  to  John  Camp's  at  Norfolk,  and  attended  the 
first-day  meeting  at  New  Canaan;  in  which  I  was 


JOURNAL  OF  RUPUS  HALL. 


157 


much  favoured  in  public  testimony.  After  this  we 
returned  to  my  brother-in-law  Ladowick's,  by  way 
of  Salisbury. 

23d.  Attended  the  select  preparative  meeting  at 
Oswego;  and  went  to  see  our  aged  friend,  Mary 
Griffin,  who  was  in  her  hundredth  year;  and  what 
was  remarkable,  although  her  natural  faculties  seem- 
ed almost  exhausted,  yet  her  spiritual  ones  were  fresh 
and  green  as  ever.  In  a  little  sitting  we  had  with 
her,  she  preached  a  short,  but  lively  testimony,  to 
my  admiration  and  comfort.  She  appeared  to  be  en- 
tirely bound  up  in  one  bundle  of  love;  and  I  verily 
thought  she  came  the  nearest  to  one  that  had  so  over- 
come as  to  be  made  a  pillar  in  the  church  that  should 
go  no  more  out,  that  I  had  ever  before  seen.  I  have 
been  acquainted  with  her  these  fifty  years,  and  al- 
ways knew  her  to  be  an  inoffensive  woman,  and  an 
able  minister  of  the  gospel;  to  propagate  which,  she 
has  sometimes  travelled  abroad  to  the  general  satis- 
faction of  Friends;  always  returning  in  due  season, 
bringing  her  sheaves  of  peace  in  her  bosom. 

24th.  Had  a  meeting  at  Chesnut  Ridge,  a  trying 
time,  and  went  to  Isaac  Thome's  at  Nine  Partners: 
next  day  attended  their  mid-week  meeting  there,  in 
which  I  had  a  short  testimony.  Lodged  with  my 
cousin  Jonathan  Duell;  and  on  the  26th,  had  a  meet- 
ing at  Stanford,  to  my  satisfaction;  after  which,  I 
went  with  my  cousin  Jonathan  to  the  widow  Naomi 
Halsted's,  and  lodged  there.  Then  had  meetings  at 
Crum-Elbow,  and  Creek,  which  were  satisfactory; 
and  on  the  29th,  went  in  company  with  David  Hal- 
sted  to  a  meeting  at  North-East.  Next  day,  we  were 
at  Little  Nine  Partners,  where  we  again  met  with 
Edward  Brookes,  and  he  had  good  service  in  the 
14 


158 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


meeting  there.  Thence  I  travelled  alone  to  Hudson, 
and  coming  to  the  house  of  our  aged  friend  Thomas 
Comstock,  I  consulted  Friends  of  that  city,  and  had 
a  meeting  appointed  to  be  held  in  the  evening  of  the 
31st.  In  this  meeting,  the  living  spring  of  gospel 
ministry  flowed  freely  to  the  people,  to  my  admira- 
tion and  comfort.  Thanks  be  to  the  great  Giver  of 
every  good  gift.  After  this,  I  had  meetings  at  Kline- 
kill,  New  Britain,  Hancock,  Adams  and  Berlin, 
which  were  generally  satisfactory  opportunities:  then 
attended  the  meeting  at  Troy  on  first-day,  the  11th 
of  11th  month,  and  lodged  at  Joseph  Breintnall's. 
Next  day,  went  to  my  brother-in-law,  Zebulon  Hox- 
sie's,  at  Easton,  where  I  met  my  wife  to  my  joy  and 
comfort,  not  having  seen  each  other  for  about  three 
months;  in  which  time  I  had  travelled  to  and  fro 
over  mountains  and  across  vallies,  as  Truth  opened 
the  way,  about  nine  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and  at- 
tended seventy  meetings. 

After  returning  from  my  southern  journey,  1  re- 
mained at  and  about  home,  attending  meetings  in 
course  for  near  a  year;  in  which  time  I  passed  thro' 
various  trials,  some  of  which  were  like  deep  bap- 
tisms: but  I  was  preserved  through  all,  and  felt  at 
times  some  drawings  in  my  mind  to  visit  Friends  of 
Queensbury,  Granville  and  Danby  meetings,  with 
some  of  the  inhabitants  of  those  parts  who  were  not 
members:  and  perceiving  a  like  concern  in  my  friend 
Elihu  Anthony,  of  Greenfield,  we  concluded  to  go 
together.  So  we  set  out  in  the  early  part  of  the  11th 
month,  1811,  and  were  at  Queensbury  monthly 
meeting  on  a  very  rainy  day.  Lodged  at  Caleb 
Deane's,  and-had  a  tendering  opportunity  in  the  fami- 
ly. Next  day,  had  a  meeting  about  eight  miles  north- 


JOURNAL  OP  RXTFUS  HALL. 


159 


ward,  where  some  Friends  reside;  and  another  at 
Fort  Ann  in  the  evening;  both  favoured  seasons. 
Lodged  at  William  Moore's,  and  in  the  morning  of 
the  8th,  had  a  serious  opportunity  in  the  family; 
then  set  out  with  William  for  a  guide,  and  had  to  pass 
a  difficult  and  dangerous  way,  by  reason  of  the  waters 
of  Wood  creek  having  overflowed  the  banks,  so  that 
in  many  places  we  had  to  ride  through  deep  water, 
and  to  go  over  hills  and  rocks,  and  along  the  sides 
of  steep  mountains,  in  order  to  gain  our  port,  about 
six  miles.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  hard,  laborious 
meeting  among  the  Baptists  and  some  others  of  that 
neighbourhood;  in  which  we  had  little  satisfaction, 
except  the  consciousness  of  having  done  the  best  we 
could. 

On  first-day,  the  9th,  we  attended  Granville  meet- 
ing, which  was  a  favoured  time.  Next  day,  had  a 
meeting  among  the  Baptists  at  the  house  of  Elihu's 
father-in-law.  Thence  we  went  to  Danby  and  atten- 
ded the  Quarterly  meeting  held  there,  and  I  believe 
Truth  owned  the  several  sittings  thereof.  After  a 
meeting,  at  White  Creek,  we  came  on  to  our  Quar- 
terly meeting  at  Easton,  and  thence  returned  home 
with  the  reward  of  peace. 

In  the  12th  month,  in  company  witli  my  friend, 
David  Howland,  I  made  a  little  visit  to  the  westward. 
The  weather  was  cold  and  the  riding  difficult,  but 
we  had  meetings  at  Uppington,  Herkimer,  Little 
Falls,  and  Boreman's  Creek;  some  of  which  were 
trying  seasons,  and  others  satisfactory. 

Having  had  drawings  on  my  mind  for  some  time, 
to  visit  Friends  to  the  westward  as  far  as  the  Holland 
Purchase, I  laid  my  concern  before  our  monthly  meet- 


160 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


ing  in  the  Sth  month,  1S13,  and  obtained  a  minute  of 
concurrence  therewith.  On  the  9th  of  the  9th  month, 
I  set  out  on  the  journey  alone,  and  attended  May- 
field  meeting,  where  I  met  with  my  friend  and  cou- 
sin Jedidiah  Allen,  who  agreed  to  bear  me  company 
part  of  the  way.  So  we  went  on  to  Butternuts,  and 
were  at  their  meeting  on  first-day;  in  which  I  was 
favoured  in  testimony  on  the  advantages  of  giving 
heed  to  small  openings  or  impressions  of  duty  on  the 
mind.  Here  I  met  with  my  two  brother-in-laws, 
Zebulon  and  Ladowick  Hoxsie,  who  were  willing  to 
bear  me  company  to  Scipio.  On  the  13th,  being  four 
in  number,  we  set  out  for  Deruyter,  and  after  lodging 
at  my  son  Zebulon's  at  Oxford,  we  missed  our  road. 
In  getting  into  the  right  way  again,  I  had  cause  to 
put  in  practice  the  doctrine  I  delivered  at  Butternuts. 
There  was  a  little  meeting  of  Friends  at  Smyrna, 
several  miles  to  the  northward,  as  I  thought,  of  our 
course  to  Deruyter,  which  had  been  in  m)-  mind  se- 
veral times,  but  I  said  nothing  about  it  to  the  com- 
pany, thinking  whether  it  would  be  best  to  visit  it 
before  Deruyter  or  not.  After  we  discovered  that 
we  were  not  going  the  right  road,  we  turned  back; 
and  as  we  rode  along,  my  brother  Zebulon  told  me 
he  nearly  united  with  my  testimony,  alluding  to  the 
advantages  of  giving  heed  to  small  openings.  While 
thus  conversing,  his  horse  stumbled  and  fell,  throw- 
ing him  off  over  his  head;  but  he  was  not  much  hurt. 
After  he  had  mounted  again,  I  asked  him  whether 
we  were  not  still  wrong,  and  told  him  of  my  concern 
about  the  little  meeting  northward.  He  said  it  was 
worth  thinking  of:  so  we  turned  again  and  rode  on 
to  Smyrna  that  afternoon;  and  next  day  had  a  meet- 
ing there  to  good  satisfaction;  being  much  favoured 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


161 


ia  testimony  among  the  people.  I  found  on  inquiry 
that  in  coming  to  this  place  first,  I  had  saved  one 
day's  ride  in  my  journey. 

16th.  Had  a  meeting  at  Deruyter  to  some  relief 
of  mind,  and  lodged  at  our  friend  Tiddeman  Hull's. 
Thence  taking  meetings  at  Sempronius,  Salmon 
Creek,  Scipio,  Union  Springs,  Junius  and  Palmyra, 
we  reached  our  friend  Caleb  Macomber's.  Here  I 
parted  with  my  companion  Jedidiah  Allen,  he  re- 
turning homewards,  and  Asa  Aldrich  took  his  place. 
On  the  30th,  we  set  out  for  my  son  William's  at 
Hartland,in  the  Holland  Purchase;  and  arrived  there 
in  two  days  travelling.  Had  a  satisfactory  meeting 
there,  being  the  first  Friends'  meeting  held  in  that 
place.  Thence  we  rode  two  days  to  my  son  Isaac's 
at  Hamburg,  and  on  first-day  attended  their  meeting 
to  some  satisfaction.  Next  day,  we  had  a  meeting  at 
a  Friend's  house  in  Eden,  and  the  day  following,  an- 
other in  the  same  town;  both  to  good  satisfaction. 

10th  mo.  13th.  We  attended  the  meeting  at  Con- 
cord, in  which  the  life  did  not  rise  very  high.  It  was 
with  great  difficulty  we  got  through  the  wilderness 
to  this  meeting:  much  of  the  way  the  mud  seemed 
up  to  the  horses  knees,  and  the  snow  as  deep  on  the 
ground.  The  saplings  being  loaded  with  snow,  bent 
and  broke  down,  so  that  we  got  thoroughly  wet.  On 
our  way  back  next  day,  we  stopped  at  David  Wood's, 
and  saw  the  burning  spring,which  burned  like  spirits. 
On  first-day  we  were  at  Hamburg  meeting,  in  which 
life  arose  into  dominion,  to  the  comfort  of  the  honest 
hearted.  This  afternoon  there  was  a  remarkable  storm 
of  wind  and  rain  from  the  west,  which  brought  in  the 
waters  of  lake  Erie,  it  was  said,  eight  feet  perpen- 
dicular higher  than  ever  before  known.  It  did  much 
14* 


162 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFTJS  HALL. 


damage,  by  overflowing  the  banks,  and  two  wagons 
loaded  with  household  goods  and  families,  that  were 
travelling  on  the  beach,  were  lost  or  stove  to  pieces; 
but  no  lives  lost.  Abundance  of  timber  was  also 
blown  down  by  the  wind. 

21st.  Attended  Hamburg  preparative  meeting,  and 
also  the  funeral  of  a  Friend's  son,  and  had  some  ser- 
vice at  both.  Thence  we  travelled  to  Nathan  Com- 
stock's  at  Farmington;  and  on  the  28th,  attended 
their  monthly  meeting,  to  good  satisfaction.  Our 
friend  Isaac  Thorne  of  Nine  Partners,  was  also  there, 
and  had  good  service.  Here  I  parted  with  my  kind 
friend  Asa  Aldrich,  who  had  been  very  acceptably 
with  me  nearly  four  weeks,  in  very  bad  travelling; 
spending  his  time  and  money  freely,  with  no  other 
object  than  to  bear  me  company:  and  I  hope  the 
Lord  will  bless  him  for  it.  On  the  31st,  had  a  meet- 
ing at  Galen,  at  the  house  of  David  Bedel.  Thence 
I  set  out  homewards,  and  travelled  on  through  West- 
moreland to  New  Hartford,  where  I  attended  their 
meeting  to  good  satisfaction. 

Sth  of  11th  month,  I  had  an  evening  meeting  at 
John  Head's  in  Madison;  also  attended  Brookfield 
and  Bridgewater  meetings,  on  my  way  home,  where 
I  arrived  on  the  13th,  and  felt  my  mind  relieved  of 
a  burden  that  had  attended  it  for  several  months: 
and  for  all  the  favours  and  preservations  witnessed, 
I  feel  thankful  to  the  great  Preserver  of  my  life,  to 
whom  be  praise,  now  and  forevermore.  In  this  jour- 
ney I  was  from  home  upwards  of  two  months, — 
travelled  by  computation  more  than  eight  hundred 
miles,  and  attended  twenty -six  meetings. 


The  23rd  of  the  1st  month,  1814.    Although  I 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


163 


have  experienced  seasons  of  inward  poverty,  yet  I 
can  say  my  good  Master  has  not  forsaken  me:  he  has 
at  times  lifted  up  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon 
me,  and  animated  my  mind,  enabling  me  to  sound  an 
alarm  to  some  negligent  ones,  and  also  to  bear  testi- 
mony to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  others,  as 
well  as  myself.  Thus,  through  his  mercy  I  have  felt 
the  language  of  the  wise  king  formerly:  "Awake, 
O  north  wind;  and  come,  thou  south;  blow  upon  my 
garden,  that  the  spices  thereof  may  flow  out.  Let 
my  Beloved  come  into  his  garden,  and  eat  his  plea- 
sant fruits." 

Mankind  are  so  constituted  that  it  is  as  needful 
and  useful  to  experience  the  winter  and  the  summer 
seasons  spiritually,  in  the  travail  and  exercise  of  the 
mind, — as  it  is  for  the  outward  world,  in  order  that 
it  may  produce  fruit  in  due  season  for  the  support  of 
our  natural  bodies.  It  is  observable,  that  the  most 
fruitful  parts  of  the  earth  are  those  where  the  summer 
and  winter  have  their  equal  and  regular  course.  Near 
the  north  pole,  the  soil  is  said  to  be  barren  and  fro- 
zen, producing  little  or  nothing  that  is  profitable  to 
mankind.  So  also  it  is  with  us  in  a  spiritual  sense. 
When  we  do  hot  experience  the  heavenly  sun-beams, 
or  warming,  animating  influence  of  the  sun  of  right- 
eousness, the  love  of  God,  to  sofi^n  and  enliven  our 
hearts  and  minds,  wo  become  barren,  dry  and  frozen. 
But,  as  the  life  of  trees  and  vegetables  is  hid  in  itself 
through  the  cold,  winter  season,  until  the  spring  ap- 
proaches and  the  summer  comes; — so  is  the  Divine 
life  of  the  soul  hid  with  Christ  in  God,  during  our 
wintry  seasons,  until  the  Sun  of  righteousness  arises 
and  causes  our  hearts  to  fee!  the  warming,  animating 
influence  thereof.    Then  can  we  rejoice  and  sing  as 


164 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


Solomon  did,  who  no  doubt  saw  the  need  there  was 
of  going  through  these  trying,  proving  seasons  of 
poverty  and  strippedness  of  soul,  feeling,  as  it  were, 
the  north  or  cold  winds  to  blow,  in  a  sense  of  our 
own  frailties  and  weakness,  until  a  cry  is  raised  in  the 
sincerity  of  the  heart  for  Divine  help  and  preserva- 
tion. Then,  in  due  time,  the  south  wind  comes,  or 
God  arises  in  the  soul,  to  its  comfort  and  great  satis- 
faction, causing  "  the  spices  to  flow  out."  Having 
thus  tasted  of  the  Lord's  goodness  and  mercy,  it 
wishes  well  to  all,  and  wants  all  to  partake  of  the 
same  goodness  and  loving-kindness;  being  so  in  love 
with  the  Divine  presence  that  it  can  say  with  great 
propriety,  "  Let  my  Beloved  come  into  his  garden, 
and  eat  his  pleasant  fruits." 

13th  of  2d  mo.  Set  out  from  home  with  my  wife, 
son-in-law  Rufus  Wood,  and  daughter  Mary,  to  at- 
tend our  Quarterly  meeting,  and  was  at  all  the  sit- 
tings thereof;  and  to  me  it  was  a  time  of  favour  which 
I  wish  to  remember  with  thankfulness  of  heart. 

Soon  after  my  return  home,  I  heard  of  the  death 
of  my  near  and  dear  friend,  David  Rowland;  which 
was  a  very  close  trial  to  me,  for  I  loved  him  dearly. 
He  was  a  very  promising  Friend, — had  an  eminent 
gift  in  the  ministry,  and  was  zealously  concerned  for 
the  promotion  of  truth  and  righteousness;  sparing  no 
time  nor  pains  in  the  propagation  of  pure  religion 
among  his  friends  and  others.  But  he  has  been,  as  it 
were,  snatched  away  by  death  in  the  prime  or  vigour 
of  life,  and  is  gone  from  works  to  rewards,  where  he 
now  enjoys  everlasting  happiness,  I  make  no  doubt. 
He  had  been  out  from  home,  and  on  his  return  was 
taken  ill  at  Thomas  Wilbur's  at  Saratoga,  vvhere  he 
died. 


JOURNAL  OP  RUFUS  HALL. 


165 


About  a  week  after,  I  heard  of  the  decease  of  my 
eldest  sister,  Alice,  wife  of  Zebulon  Hoxsie,  at  Eas- 
ton.  She  was  next  to  me  in  the  family,  and  I  had 
a  near  affection  for  her.  But  I  was  brought  to  ac- 
quiesce in  the  Divine  disposal,  and  in  both  cases  to 
say,  Thy  will  be  done. 

During  the  spring  and  fore  part  of  the  summer  of 
1814,  I  was  much  unwell  as  to  bodily  health,  but  en- 
deavoured to  be  patient  under  my  various  exercises. 
On  our  way  to  attend  our  Quarterly  meeting  at  Eas- 
ton  in  the  Sth  month,  we  were  out  in  a  remarkably 
severe  thunder  storm,  which  came  on  a  little  after 
sunset.  We  had  just  crossed  the  ferry  at  the  narrows 
of  Saratoga  lake  as  it  began  to  rain,  and  by  the  time 
we  had  gone  about  thirty  rods,  such  a  flash  of  light- 
ning came  as  I  never  saw  before:  it  seemed  to  streak 
along  on  the  ground  and  on  the  waters  of  the  lake  in 
an  awful  manner,  with  a  terrible  peal  of  thunder.  For 
a  great  part  of  two  hours,  it  seemed  to  be  almost  one 
continued  flash  of  lightning  and  hard  thunder,  so 
that  we  had  great  difficulty  in  getting  the  horses 
along;  for  they  would  often  stop  and  cringe  with 
terror.  But  through  the  Lord's  wonderful  mercy  we 
were  all  preserved  unhurt;  yet  I  do  not  remember 
ever  hearing  of  so  much  damage  done  by  a  thunder 
storm  in  this  country  before.  Many  buildings  were 
burned  by  the  lightning;  also  several  people  and  a 
number  of  cattle  and  horses  were  killed. 

The  13th  of  the  1st  mo.  1815.  I  still  continue  in 
a  weakly  state  of  health,  but  am  mostly  favoured  to 
get  to  meetings.  And  although  I  have  had  some  try- 
ing seasons,  yet,  with  humility  I  may  acknowledge, 
I  have  been  preserved  through  them  all;  and  such 
has  been  the  continued  extension  of  Divine  help. 


166 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


especially  in  my  gospel  labours  in  meetings,  that  I 
have  sat  very  few  of  them  in  silence;  my  mind  being 
livingly  opened  in  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  and  engaged  to  invite  my  brethren  and  sis- 
ters to  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good.  0  Lord, 
hold  me  in  thy  hand  forever.  Thou  didst  keep  and 
preserve  me,  in  good  measure,  through  my  youthful 
days;  Oh!  leave  me  not  now  in  old  age:  for  I  am 
sure  thou  art  as  able  to  save  as  ever.  Thou  art  the 
same  yesterday,  to  day  and  forever.  May  everlast- 
ing praises  be  given  to  thy  holy  name.  Amen. 

I  continued  in  feeble  health  until  about  the  1st  of 
5th  month,  when  I  began  to  mend;  and  by  the  14th, 
was  so  well  as  to  be  able  to  set  out  from  home  for 
the  purpose  of  attending  the  Quarterly  and  Yearl)* 
Meetings,  which  I  had  a  desire  to  attend  once  more. 
The  day  was  unusually  cold  for  the  time  of  year,  but 
I  attended  Mayfield  meeting,  and  in  the  afternoon, 
in  company  with  David  Gardner  and  Abraham  Cole, 
rode  in  a  wagon  about  sixteen  miles  to  John  Hoxsie's 
at  Galway.  In  the  evening,  I  found  I  had  taken  a 
very  heavy  cold,  and  my  old  disorder,  the  gravel, 
with  which  I  had  at  times  been  afflicted  for  several 
years,  set  in  upon  me  with  violence;  so  that  I  had 
to  remain  there  about  ten  days.  During  this  time  I 
became  very  weak,  so  that  I  could  hardly  stand;  but 
my  beloved  wife  came  to  nurse  me,  which  was  some 
comfort  to  me  in  my  afflictions.  By  placing  me  on 
a  bed  in  a  wagon,  I  was  carried  homewards  about 
eleven  miles  to  the  house  of  a  doctor,  where  we 
stayed  about  two  weeks;  and  then  with  the  Divine 
blessing,  I  was  able  to  get  home,  though  still  verj- 
weak,  and  suffering  much. 

Having  had  it  on  my  mind  for  several  months  past, 


JOURNAL  OP  BUPUS  HALL. 


167 


to  call  my  neighbours  together  in  the  capacity  of  a 
religious  meeting,  it  became  very  much  of  a  trial  to 
me.  We  kept  up  our  little  meeting  twice  a  week, 
which  our  neighbours  knew,  but  they  seldom  attend- 
ed, even  when  travelling  Friends  appointed  meetings 
with  us:  yet  they  were  generally  kind  neighbours, 
and  moral,  honest  people,  in  their  way.  Since  my 
return  home,  this  concern  revived  verj^  freshly,  with 
a  secret  persuasion  that  I  should  soon  get  better  of 
my  disorder,  if  I  would  be  faithful  to  it.  On  opening 
the  subject  to  my  friends,  they  mostly  united  with 
it,  and  the  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  held  at  my 
house  on  first-day  afternoon.  Accordingly  they  gen- 
erally met,  and  I  had  a  full  opportunity  to  clear  my 
mind:  for  truly  my  heart  was  like  a  vessel  that  want- 
ed vent,  I  felt  such  love  abound  toward  them. 

The  subject  that  impressed  my  mind  to  commu- 
nicate, was  on  these  words  of  scripture:  "  Steward, 
give  an  account  of  thy  stewardship,  for  thou  mayst 
be  no  longer  steward:"  setting  forth,  that  although 
this  passage  was  generally  construed  to  apply  to 
people  on  their  death-beds;  yet  the  substance  of  that 
language  was  daily  sounded  in  the  ear  of  our  minds 
in  the  knowledge  we  had  of  the  uncertainty  of  our 
time  here: — and  that,  as  we  had  all  received  gifts  of 
the  Almighty,  for  which  we  were  accountable, — my 
concern  was  first  to  call  to  the  professors  of  every 
denomination,  to  consider  seriously  how  far  they  had 
been  faithful  in  discharging  their  duties,  both  as  to 
their  own  individual  cases,  and  also  in  bearing  a  faith- 
ful testimony  against  irregular  conduct  amongst  their 
neighbours  and  acquaintance; — naming  several  prac- 
tices, as  they  occurred  to  my  mind,  that  I  .thought 
were  not  warrantable  for  a  christian  to  uphold,  or 


168 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


connive  at  by  passing  by  them  in  silence.  Then 
turning  to  the  non-professors,  I  divided  them  into 
two  classes; — moral  and  immoral;  desiring  those  who 
were  moral  seriously  to  consider  whether  living  a 
mere  moral  life,  though  honest  as  to  dealings  between 
man  and  man, — would  be  a  sufficient  warrant  to  them 
in  the  day  of  solemn  account,  when  at  last  it  should 
be  said  to  them,  Steward,  give  an  account  of  thy 
stewardship,  for  thou  mayst  be  no  longer  steward; — 
or  whether  there  would  not  be  a  doubt  of  their  hap- 
piness and  peace;  and  if  so,  it  was  higl\  time  for  them 
to  be  aroused  to  a  more  diligent  attention  to  fulfil  all 
their  duties  to  God  as  well  as  men.  Then,  turning 
to  the  immoral  and  profane,  such  as  sometimes  suf- 
fered themselves  to  be  intoxicated  with  strong  drink; 
and  such  as  gave  way  to  passion,  so  as  at  many  times 
to  use  profane  language,  cursing  and  swearing;  and 
oftentimes  even  in  their  common  discourse, — I  press- 
ed upon  them  seriously  to  consider  whether  they 
were  prepared  to  give  in  their  account  at  the  awful 
crisis,  when  the  messenger  of  death  should  sound  the 
alarm  that  time  to  them  should  be  no  longer.  Much 
more  livingly  arose  in  my  mind  to  communicate  to 
the  people;  and  I  know  not  that  I  was  ever  more  fa- 
voured with  the  Divine  influence  in  public  testimony, 
than  I  was  that  day.  After  which,  my  friend  John 
White  of  Galway,  had  an  open  time  among  the  peo- 
ple, and  the  meeting  closed  with  solemn  prayer  to 
Almighty  God. 

Soon  after  this,  I  got  so  much  better  in  health  and 
strength  of  body,  that  I  got  out  to  our  meetings  fre- 
quently, though  in  the  seventy-second  year  of  my 
age.  And  now,  this  3rd  day  of  the  11th  mo.  1815, 
I  can  in  humility  say,  that  notwithstanding  I  have 


JOURNAL  OF  RUFUS  HALL. 


169 


been  loner  afflicted,  yet  I  have  more  cause  to  rejoice 
than  to  mourn:  for,  through  all  my  trials,  afflictions 
and  exercises,  even  when  I  seemed  to  stand  as  it 
were  on  the  brink  of  the  grave,  the  thoughts  of  death 
were  no  great  terror  to  me.  At  times  also  I  felt  the 
anchor  of  hope,  that  as  my  love  to  God  was  sincere, 
all  would  work  together  for  good. 

And  now,  taking  a  retrospective  view  of  my  past 
life, — although  I  see  many  missteps  which  I  made  in 
my  younger  days,  yet  having  long  since  sincerely 
repented  of  them,  I  fully  believe  I  have  been  for- 
given: and  for  more  than  forty  years,  I  have  made  it 
my  principal  and  constant  care  to  do  the  things  that 
are  right,  both  towards  God  and  man.  And  though  I 
cannot  boast  of  any  great  good  that  I  have  done,  yet 
the  heavenly  Master  has  many  times  spoken  peace  to 
my  mind.  He  has  not  left  me  without  a  witness  of 
his  goodness  and  love,  even  in  old  age;  for  he  hath 
visited  me  with  his  Divine  and  cheering  presence,  to 
my  unspeakable  comfort  and  satisfaction.  And  in  my 
public  testimonies,  at  divers  times,  in  our  little  meet- 
ing here  at  Northampton,  when  I  have  been  so  af- 
flicted with  bodily  pain  that  I  could  scarcely  get  to 
meeting,  yet  believing  it  my  duty  to  speak,  he  hath 
mercifully  taken  away  all  pain  from  me,  so  that  I 
have  felt  as  well  as  ever.  Therefore,  0  Lord,  why 
should  I  doubt  thy  goodness  and  thy  all-sufficiency 
to  preserve  me  in  my  old  age,  seeing  thou  hast  thus 
dealt  with  me.  Rather  let  me  give  all  praise,  honour, 
glory  and  high  renown  to  thee  alone,  now  and  for- 
evermore.  Amen. 

RuFus  Hall. 


15 


170 


LADOWICK  HOXSIE'S  MEMORIAL 
Concerning  his  brother-in-law  Rufus  Hall,  who 

departed  this  life  the  26th  of  the  5th  month,  1818; 

aged  seventy-four  years,  wanting  about  one  month. 

My  mind  is  affected,  in  reflecting  on  that  near- 
ness and  long-continued  intimacy  which  subsisted 
between  us.  We  interchanged  many  social  letters 
and  satisfactory  visits,  through  the  course  of  forty 
years  past,  which  frequently  had  a  tendency  to  quick- 
en and  stir  up  that  which  was  pure  in  my  mind, — 
keeping  the  way  open  for  a  continued  precious  union 
and  communion,  in  which  enjoyment  is,  and  therein 
he  was  to  me  a  brother  beloved. 

I  apprehend  it  was  some  time  in  the  early  or  fore 
part  of  his  manhood,  that  the  eye  of  his  mind  was 
more  particularly  opened  to  discover  that  the  wages 
of  vanit)',  disobedience  and  sin,  was  death; — but  the 
effect  of  righteousness,  through  faith  in  the  Illumi- 
nator, was  life  and  peace:  and  through  the  tendering 
thereof  he  became  willing  to  open  the  door  of  his 
heart  (or  understanding)  and  let  in  the  Beloved  of 
visited  souls,  the  messenger  of  the  covenant  of  life. 
As  he  endeavoured  patiently  to  abide  the  day  of  his 
coming,  so  that  strength  might  be  afforded  to  stand 
when  he  appeared,  he  became  prepared  at  length  to 
offer  a  few  words  in  some  of  our  religious  meetings, 
which  were  generally  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  living 
and  judicious.  Through  dedication,  he  grew  in  his 
gift,  and  also  in  religious  experience,  and  in  time 
became  an  approved  minister.  He  was  a  faithful  la- 
bourer in  the  vineyard,  being  frequently  engaged,  in 
the  love  of  the  gospel,  to  fill  up  in  the  day-time,  his 
allotted  portion  of  labour  in  the  church,  to  the  com- 


MEMORIAL. 


171 


fort  of  the  living  and  the  honour  of  the  great  Seeds- 
man. Frequently,  in  the  exercise  of  his  gift,  when 
teaching  others,  he  witnessed  a  being  taught  himself; 
and  thereby  knew  how  (or  what  it  was)  to  "  live  of 
the  gospel." 

His  industr}^,  upright  intercourse  among  men,  pa- 
ternal affection,  example  of  plainness  and  simplicity, 
and  patiently  passing  a  life,  interspersed  with  a  va- 
riety of  exercising  vicissitudes; — these,  to  judicious 
beholders,  manifested  his  faith,  and  his  full  belief 
and  establishment  in  i\\zt  powerful  principle  which 
he  had  witnessed  to  redeem  and  save  from  sin;  and 
which  is  able  to  support  the  mind  through  all  that  it 
meets  with,  both  in  life  and  death;  giving  the  soul 
a  blessed  hope  and  an  unshaken  assurance  of  being 
united  to  the  heavenly  host  in  the  realms  of  ever- 
lasting bliss. 

I  may  further  add — the  last  opportunit)'^  I  had  with 
him  was  in  attending  the  first  Quarterly  meeting  held 
at  Galway.  After  the  close  of  the  last  sitting,  as  he 
came  out  into  the  yard  among  the  people,  I  went  to 
him  and  said,  I  must  now  take  leave  of  thee;  and 
perhaps  it  may  be  the  last  time.  He  took  me  by 
the  hand,  holding  it  fa.st,  and  said,  as  near  as  I  can 
remember,  thus:  "More  than  thirty  years  ago,  I 
with  two  other  Friends  went  on  foot  to  look  for  a 
new  country.  This  place  being  then  all  a  wilder- 
ness, we  came  here  and  sat  down  on  an  old  log  to 
rest.  After  sitting  awhile  quietly  among  the  trees, 
I  told  them  I  had  faith  to  believe  the  time  would 
come  that  a  meeting  would  be  gathered  near  where 
we  sat;  even  a  monthly,  and  I  did  believe,  a  Quarter- 
ly meeting.  And  now  I  have  lived  to  see  it  come 
to  pass,  and  have  attended  it.    So  now,  I'll  bid  thee 


172 


TESTIMONY 


farewell.  I  am  now  going  home."  Then  letting  go 
of  my  hand,  he  walked  through  the  crowd  of  people 
towards  home,  and  I  saw  him  no  more. 

And  shall  I  mourn  for  him?  Nay:  he  chose  the 
path  of  heavenly  wisdom;  he  loved  to  hear  her  voice, 
and  obey  her  commands.  He  has  filled  up  his  mea- 
sure of  sufferings  here  on  earth,  and  laid  down  his 
head  in  peace. 

Ladowick  Hoxsie. 

A  TESTIMONY 

Of  the  monthly  meeting  of  Galway  concei'ning 
Rufus  Hall. 

He  was  born  in  the  town  of  Exeter,  in  the  state 
of  Rhode  Island,  the  Sth  of  the  6th  mo,  1744.  His 
parents,  Samuel  and  Dinah  Hall,  were  members  of 
our  society,  and  careful  to  educate  him  in  a  manner 
consistent  with  its  religious  principles.  And  from 
his  own  account,  he  appears  to  have  been  sensible  of 
serious  impressions  on  his  mind  in  very  early  life. 

About  the  tenth  year  of  his  age,  his  parents  re- 
moved to  Dutchess  county,  in  this  state;  and  he  be- 
came exposed  to  the  influence  of  vicious  and  unpro- 
fitable company,  and  through  temptation  and  the 
levity  incident  to  youth,  he  was  frequently  drawn 
into  vanity  and  dissipation:  but,  being  followed  from 
time  to  time  by  the  reproofs  of  instruction,  and  re- 
peatedly made  sensible  of  the  danger  that  awaited 
him,  he  at  length  became  willing  to  deny  himself 
the  gratification  of  his  evil  propensities,  and  yielding 
to  the  humbling,  sanctifying  power  of  the  spirit  of 
truth,  he  therein  experienced  the  consolation  of  his 
heavenly  Father's  love;  and  endeavouring  to  abide 


CONCERNING  RUFUS  HALL. 


173 


under  the  influence  of  that  which  had  thus  measure- 
ably  effected  his  emancipation  from  the  power  of  evil, 
he  witnessed  an  increase  of  strength,  and  an  advance- 
ment in  religious  experience.  Thus,  through  deep 
and  repeated  baptisms,  he  became  prepared  for  ser- 
vice in  the  church,  and  appeared  in  public  ministry 
about  the  twenty-sixth  year  of  his  age. 

In  the  exercise  of  his  gift,  he  was  careful  not  to 
minister  without  a  renewed  qualification;  his  lan- 
guage was  plain  and  simple,  and  he  often  communi- 
cated instructive  counsel  from  the  most  common 
occurrences. 

In  the  year  1775,  he  removed  with  his  family  to 
Saratoga  (now  Easton.)  His  first  visit  abroad  was 
to  Friends  in  New  England,  in  which  he  suffered 
close  exercise  and  conflict  of  mind;  but  endeavouring 
to  attend  strictly  to  the  pointings  of  duty,  he  was 
favoured  to  accomplish  it  to  the  peace  of  his  own 
mind,  and  we  believe,  to  the  satisfaction  of  those  he 
visited. 

He  also  visited  the  families  of  Easton  Quarterly 
meeting,  which  was  at  that  time  very  extensive;  and 
afterwards,  Friends  in  the  western  parts  of  this  state 
three  times;  Upper  Canada,  twice,  and  the  southern 
Quarter  of  this  Yearly  Meeting,  once;  producing  on 
hisreturn,satisfactoryaccounts  of  the  unity  of  PViends 
with  his  services  amongst  them.  He  likewise  per- 
formed several  other  journeys  of  less  extent. 

In  the  year  1804,  under  an  apprehension  of  duty, 
he  removed  to  Northampton,  in  the  compass  of  this 
meeting;  and  while  his  health  permitted,  was  dili- 
gent in  the  attendance  of  our  religious  meetings,  and 
frequently  concerned  to  encourage  others  to  be  faith- 
ful in  the  discharge  of  that  important  duty. 


174 


TESTIMONY 


For  several  years,  he  suffered  much  bodily  indis- 
position, which  he  bore  with  becoming  patience  and 
fortitude;  and  when  able  to  attend  meetings,  was  fre- 
quently strengthened  to  rise  superior  to  the  pressure 
of  disease,  and  the  increasing  infirmities  of  age,  and 
in  the  flowings  of  gospel  love,  to  bear  testimony  to 
the  efficacy  of  the  Divine  principle  of  light  and  grace: 
and  to  invite  others  to  an  increased  submission  and 
obedience  thereto,  that  they  might  experience  for 
themselves  that  the  Lord  is  good.  In  him,  we  think, 
was  verified  the  declaration  of  the  Psalmist:  "Those 
that  be  planted  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  shall  flourish 
in  the  courts  of  our  God:  they  shall  still  bring  forth 
fruit  in  old  age;  they  shall  be  fat  and  flourishing." 
His  indisposition  increasing,  he  became  confined  to 
his  bed  the  forepart  of  the  5th  month.  At  one  time, 
being  turned  on  his  side,  he  complained  of  much  dis- 
tress, and  said,  "  If  it  was  for  the  best,  he  hoped  it 
was  the  last  time" — adding:  "I  see  nothing  in  my 
way,  but  desire  to  be  patient,  and  wait  the  Lord's 
time."  Soon  after,  he  uttered  the  following  prayer: 
"0  Lord,  how  many  times  have  I  felt  the  incomes 
of  thy  divine  love — why  should  I  doubt  any  longer? 
0  Lord,  forsake  me  not  now  in  my  most  trying  mo- 
ments; but  bear  me  up  as  in  the  hollow  of  thy  hand: 
take  me  from  this  body,  if  it  be  thy  will,  that  1  may 
be  delivered  from  these  afflictions,  and  enjoy  thy 
peace,  which  has  been  reserved  for  me,  and  for  all 
those  that  love  the  appearance  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ." 

A  few  days  after,  he  appearing  better,  something 
wassaid  respecting  his  getting  about  again ;  he  replied, 
that  if  he  should,  it  would  be  a  miracle;  and  added, 
"  I  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  be  patient,  and  endure 


CONCERNING  RUFUS  HALL. 


175 


to  the  end,  for  it  is  the  end  that  crowns  all."  At  an- 
other time  he  said,  "  My  work  is  done" — and  soon 
after  expired,  the  26th  of  the  5th  month,  ISIS,  aged 
nearly  seventy-four  years. 

A  short  account  of  William  Odell. 

William  Odell  was  born  in  the  year  1755,  in 
Fairfield  county,  Connecticut,  of  parents  who  were 
by  profession  Presbyterians;  and  he  received  his 
education  among  that  people.  About  the  twenty- 
fourth  year  of  his  age,  he  removed  to  Ballstown, 
Saratoga  county,  New  York.  In  this  new  situation, 
being  brought  into  a  state  of  serious  thoughtfulness, 
he  became  convinced  that  the  religion  he  had  pro- 
fessed was  merely  traditional,  and  not  sufficient  for 
him  to  depend  upon.  After  much  exercise  of  mind, 
and  many  humiliating  seasons  of  conflict,  as  he  con- 
tinued to  seek  the  Lord  with  desires  to  be  rightly 
instructed,  he  became  convinced  of  the  inward  prin- 
ciple of  Truth:  and  as  he  attended  to  the  dictates 
thereof,  he  was  led  to  seek  for  a  people  that  were 
concerned  to  walk  by  the  same  rule  and  to  mind  the 
same  guide.  Hearing  of  a  meeting  of  Friends,  about 
eighteen  miles  from  where  he  lived,  he  attended  it 
to  his  satisfaction,  and  in  due  time  became  a  member. 
Such  were  his  zeal  and  concern  to  meet  with  Friends 
to  wait  upon  the  Lord,  that  he  often  travelled  that 
distance  on  foot,  and  returned  home  the  same  daj'. 

As  he  continued  faithful  to  manifested  duty,  he 
grew  in  grace,  and  became  qualified  to  receive  a  gift 
in  the  ministry.  Being  Divinely  called  to  this  work, 
he  was  constrained,  in  gospel  love,  to  tell  unto  others 
what  the  Lord  had  done  for  his  soul;  and  also  to  in- 


176      A  SHORT  ACCOUNT  OF  WILLIAM  ODELL. 


vile  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the  Word  nigh  in 
the  heart.  He  likewise  manifested  a  concern  for  the 
right  ordering  of  the  affairs  of  the  church,  and  was 
engaged  to  impart  suitable  counsel  and  caution  to  his 
children.  As  a  neighbour,  he  was  kind  and  affec- 
tionate; as  a  friend,  he  possessed  great  sincerity,  and 
was  well  esteemed  by  those  who  knew  him. 

He  was  taken  ill  of  the  bilious  cholic,  on  the  3rd 
of  the  7th  month,  1805,  and  mentioned  the  uncer- 
tainty how  his  disorder  would  terminate;  but  said, 
if  the  Lord  had  no  further  service  for  him,  he  had 
no  desire  to  live  longer.  On  the  5th,  he  said  to  his 
children, "  I  shall  leave  you  exposed  on  every  hand, 
but  I  want  you  to  do  well."  Next  day,  he  suffered 
much  bodily  distress,  and  was  asked  whether  he  was 
not  discouraged.  He  cheerfully  answered,  "  No,  my 
child;  there  is  nothing  to  discourage  me.  If  I  die, 
there  is  no  cause  of  discouragement."  7th.  He  ex- 
pressed his  love  to  his  friends  and  neighbours  who 
visited  him.  Next  day,  on  observing  the  grief  of 
his  children,  he  said  to  them,  "  Get  down  to  that 
which  gives  strength;"  and  prayed  for  their  preser- 
vation. He  then  said,  "  I  am  very  unwell,  yet  I  feel 
nothing  to  discourage.  But,  Oh!  it  is  a  great  thing 
to  be  prepared  to  die;  and  they  are  unwise  who  put 
it  off  till  the  closing  scene:  it  is  the  business  of  life. 
I  feel  my  mind  quiet,  and  centred  in  the  ocean  of  love 
and  infinite  goodness." 

Thus,  at  his  death,  he  was  established  in  what  he 
had  believed  and  been  concerned  to  propagate  in  his 
life.  He  quietly  expired  on  the  8th  of  the  7th  mo. 
1805,  aged  about  fifty,  and  a  minister  about  twelve 
years. 


'jto.Ay  meeting 
MEMORIALS 


CONCERNING 


DECEASED  FRIENDS 


PI'BT.ISHFD  BY  DIRECTION  OF 


THE  YEARLY  MEETING  OF  FRIENDS, 


HELD   IN    PHII.ADF.I,  PHtA, 


In  the  jth  mouth.  ISll. 


PIIILADEIPUIA: 

PRINTED  BY  S.  B.  CHAPMAN  AND  CO. 
No.  72  New  Street. 


MEMORIALS,  &c. 


A  TeMlimony  oj  Concord  tnonlhlymeeting,  Pennsylvania^ 
concerning  Ann  Peirce. 

Our  beloved  friend  Ann  Peirce  was  born  the  17th  day 
of  the  12lh  inc.,  1737-8,  old  style,  and  was  the  daughter 
of  Robert  Mendenha'.l  and  Phebe  his  wife,  of  Concord 
township,  in  Chester  (now  Delaware)  county,  Pennsylva- 
nia, members  of  this  meeting;  of  which  she  also  was  a 
member  during  her  life. 

She  entered  into  the  marriage  state  when  young,  with 
Caleb  Peirce  a  member  of  this  meeting.  It  was  her  lot  to 
be  encompassed  with  a  large  family  of  children,  to  whonn 
she  was  an  example  worthy  of  imitation.  She  was  re- 
markable in  early  life  for  her  uniform  stability  of  conduct, 
and  evinced  a  concern  at  that  time  to  take  up  the  cross  to 
the  improper  indulgence  of  her  natural  inclinations;  so  that 
she  became  exemplary  for  moderation  and  plainness,  being 
a  preacher  of  righteousness  in  life  and  conversation,  and 
diligent  in  the  attendance  of  cur  religious  meetings ;  encour- 
aging her  family  also  to  the  performance  of  this  duty. 

She  was  appointed  an  el^^r  of  this  meeting  in  the  year 
1 778 ;  and  we  believe  very  few  have  discharged  the  impor- 
tant duties  of  that  station  more  to  the  general  satisfaction 
of  Friends.  She  never  permitted  herself  to  assume  any 
thing^of  a  dictatorial  spirit,  but  was  mindful  of  this  saluta- 
ry admonition  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  "  Neither  be  ye  called 
masters,  for  one  is  your  master,  even  Christ.    But  he  thai 


4 


WILLIAM  BOEK. 


is  pvcalesi  among  you  shall  be  your  servant."  She  was 
truly  as  a  moilier  in  Israel  to  many  of  us. 

She  Vvus  likewise  remarkably  careful  to  discourage  every 
thing  calcuiated  to  engender  strife  among  Friends,  but  ra- 
ther at  all  times  to  exercise  the  office  of  a  peace-maker. — 
She  was  much  interested  for  the  tender  care  and  support 
of  the  poor  among  us  and  in  her  neighbourhood,  and  more 
especially  those  who  with  herself  were  advanced  in  age  ; 
and  this  care  remained  with  her  until  the  close  of  her  life. 

For  several  years  before  her  death,  owing  to  her  advan- 
ced age  and  bodily  infirmities,  she  was  unable  to  attend 
meetings,  except  at  times,  when  her  company  was  always 
,?f  ceplable  to  us ;  and  she  wqs  exemplary  for  her  solid  de- 
portment when  in  meetings. 

During  the  latter  part  of  her  time  she  manifested  a  wil- 
lingness to  be  released;  —  looking  forward  to  that  period 
with  hope,  that  when  her  mortal  pains  and  afflictions 
should  terminate,  she  should  be  safely  landed  on  that  shore 
where  all  sorrows  and  troubles  would  be  at  an  end,  and 
she  should  enjoy  the  inheritance  of  a  blessed  immortality. 

After  a  short  illness,  she  quietly  departed  this  life  on  the 
27th  day  of  the  2d  month,  1828,  aged  ninety  years;  and 
vvTi3  interred  in  Friends'  burial  ground  at  Concord  the  fol- 
lowing day,  at  which  time  a  solid  meeting  was  held. 


c'f  Testhnony  of  Monnf  Holly  monthly  meeting,  concern- 
ing William  Boen,  a  coloured  man. 

As  the  memory  of  those  who  have  followed  the  leadings 
of  that  Teacher  which  leadeth  into  all  truth,  and  enables 
its  votaries  to  become  by  example  preachers  of  righteous- 
ness, is  precious  —  we  feel  engaged  to  give  the  following 


WILLIAM  BOEN. 


testimony  concerning  our  deceased  friend  William  Boen, 
a  coloured  man. 

He  was  bom  in  the  year  1735  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Rancocas.  Being  held  as  a  slave  from  his  birth,  he  had; 
very  little  opportunity  of  acquiring  useful  learning;  yet,  by 
his  own  industry  and  care,  he  succeeded  in  learning  to  read 
and  write. 

His  mind  became  seriously  impressed  while  very  young", 
and  he  was  induced  in  early  life- to  attend  to  the  monitions 
of  light  and  life  in  his  own  mind;  being  convinced  I'rnin 
what  he  felt  within  him,  of  the  existence  of  a  Supren  e 
Being,  and  also  of  the  mannerof  his  visiting  the  cliiklro.i 
of  men,  by  the  inward  peace  which  he  felt  upon  a  faillifii! 
performance  of  what  he  thus  apprehended  to  be  his  duty. 

About  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  his  age  he  contracted 
for  his*  freedom:  and, having  entered  into  marriage  engage- 
ments with  a  coloured  woman  in  the  neighbourhood,  but 
not  being  at  that  time  a  member  of  our  society,  he  was 
straitened  in  his  mind  how  to  accomplish  it,  as  he  was  ful- 
ly convinced  of  our  testimony  in  that  respect.. In  this  dith- 
cully,  he  made  known  his  situation  to  our  friend  Jolui 
Woolman,  who,  to  relieve  him,  had  a  number  of  persons 
convened  at  a  Friend's  house,  where  they  were  married 
after  the  manner  of  our  society,  and  a  certificate  to  that  ef- 
fect was  furnished  them  by  those  present. 

About  this  time  he  made  application  to  become  a  mem- 
ber of  our  religious  society  ;  but,  way  not  opening  in 
Friends'  minds,  he  was  not  received,  but  encouraged  to 
continue  faithful;  which  we  believe  he  did,  from  the  ai*- 
counts  we  have  of  nearly  his  whole  life.. 

He  was  concerned  above  all  things  to  walk  in  the  path  . 
of  truth  and  righteousness,  . and.  according  to  his  measure- 
1  * 


5 


WILLIAM  BOEN. 


to  be  fnithfijl  t-o  ever)'  opening  of  duty;  by  which  means 
he  obtained  the  esteem  of  all  who  knew  him.  As  he  thus 
continued  steadfast  to  the  Light  in  his  own  mind,  he  was  in 
a  remarkable  manner  favoured  to  see  the  necessity  of  a 
daily  cross  to  all  the  gratifications  of  self,  and  that  the  cause 
of  Truth  cannot  grow  in  us  while  we  are  governed  by  a 
worldly  spirit. 

By  yielding  full  obedience  to  that  Light  which  it  was 
his  chiefest  joy  to  follow,  he  became  truly  convinced  of 
the  necessity  of  maintaining  the  various  testimonies  which 
we  as  a  people  have  been  called  upon  to  bear :  and,  in  some 
respects,  he  had  to  bear  a  testimony  against  things  in  which 
many  of  his  white  brethren  indulged,  particularly  in  regard 
to  slavery; — refusing  to  wear  or  use  in  any  shape  articles 
which  came  through  that  corrupted  channel:  and,  we  be- 
lieve, it  was  through  dedication  to  the  Lord,  and  an  unre- 
served surrender  of  his  will  to  the  Divine  will,  that  he  was 
brought  to  see  these  things  in  that  light  which  deceiveth 
not.  Thus,  evincing  by  his  conversation  and  example  the 
truth  of  that  scripture  declaration,  "  All  thy  children  shall 
be  taught  of  the  Lord,  and  great  shall  be  the  peace  of  thy 
children ;  in  righteousness  shalt  thou  be  established." 

It  appears,  not  only  from  his  own  words  but  also  from 
his  weighty  example,  that  his  great  concern  was  to  keep 
his  mind  easy;  believing  that  right  and  wrong  actions 
would  result  either  in  peace  or  pain  within;  hence,  his 
great  care  was  to  "try  all  things  by  the  mind,"  as  he  ex- 
pressed it,  or  the  light  of  Christ  within;  with  which  he 
was,  no  d^ubt  through  faithfulness  in  a  remarkable  man- 
ner favoured;  esteeming  it  right  to  be  obedient  to  every 
manifested  duty,  however  in  the  cross,  or  insignificant  to 
the  carnal  mind,  these  small  duties  might  appear.  And  as  he 
was  found,  hke  the  servant  in  the  parable,  "  faithful  m  the 


WtLLtAM  BOEN. 


7 


little,  '  he  was  strengthened  to  rule  over  the  carnal  propen- 
sities of  his  nature,  bringing  his  words  and  actions  into  the 
obedience  of  Christ.  His  humility  was  such,  that  although 
in  low  circumstances  he  appeared  to  be  content,  and  even 
refused  to  indulge  himself  in  rich  food  or  clothing,  saying 
that  "  bread  and  water  was  good  enough  for  him."  In 
1814,  he  was  on  application  received  into  membership 
with  us,  and  continued  to  the  last,  when  able,  a  steady  at- 
tender  of  our  meetings  both  for  worship  and  discipline. 

He  enjoyed  remarkable  health  and  strength  until  about 
his  eighty-seventh  year,  when  his  bodily  strength  began  to 
fail,  but  the  faculties  of  his  mind  remained  good  until  his 
end. 

Some  weeks  previous  to  his  death,  he  spoke  of  it  with 
the  utmost  composure ;  and,  recounting  his  past  trials  and 
experiences,  said,  he  had  thought  he  was  alone  with  re- 
gard to  his  testimony  against  slavery :  but,  as  though  he 
had  fresh  evidences  thereof,  said  he  believed  it  would  grow 
and  increase  among  Friends.  He  appeared  perfecdy  re- 
signed to  death,  having  no  will  therein;  and  as  he  express- 
ed himself,  that  some  died  hard  and  others  easy,  but  for 
himself  he  had  no  wish  for  either,  being  fully  resigned  to 
the  Divine  will  in  all  things. 

To  a  friend  who  was  present  the  day  previous  to  his 
death,  he  mentioned  that  he  felt  himself  going  very  fast, 
but  that  he  had  no  wish  to  stay.  His  weakness  increasing, 
and  having  no  desire  to  take  any  nourishment,  he  was  ask- 
ed if  he  was  sick  or  felt  any  pain;  to  which  he  answered, 
that  he  felt  neither  pain  nor  sickness,  but  weakness,  and  a 
total  disrelish  for  every  thing  of  this  worid.  His  weakness 
continued  to  increase  until  he  passed  quiedy  away  on  the 
night  of  the  12th  of  the  6th  month,  1824,  in  the  ninetieth 


8  RACHEL  ROWLAND. 

year  of  his  age,  and  we  doubt  not,  he  has  entered  into  his 
heavenly  Feather's  rest. 

Ji  Memorial  from  the  monthly  meeting  of  Friends  of  Phi- 
luilelphia  held  at  Cherry  Street,  conecrning  our  dear 
deceased  friend  Rachel  Rowland. 

Under  a  feeling  sense  that  "  the  mem'ory  of  the  just  is 
blessed,"  and  believing  that  the  pious  and  bright  example 
of  our  departed  friend,  by  being  held  up  to  the  view  of  sur- 
vivors, and  especially  to  our  beloved  youth,  may  tend  to 
raise  in  their  minds  a  desire  to  follow  her,  as  she  endeavour- 
ed to  follow  Christ — we  are  engaged  to  give  forth  this 
memorial  of  one  whom  we  esteemed  as  a  mother  in  Israel. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  John  and  Rachel  Edwards,  of 
this  city,  and  was  born  on  the  2d  day  of  the  7th  month, 
1766.  Her  father  was  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  commu- 
nion, and  both  her  parents  died  when  she  was  a  child. — 
About  the  ninth  year  of  her  age,  she  was  placed  with  a 
valuable  Friend ;  and,  during  her  residence  in  the  family, 
she  became  convinced  of  the  principle  of  Truth  as  professed 
by  us,  and  was  received  a  member  of  our  religions  society. 

In  the  twentieth  year  of  her  age  she  was  married  to 
Isaac  Buckbee,  with  whom  she  was  united  until  the  awful 
visitation  of  yellow  fever  in  the  year  1793,  which  clothed 
the  city  of  Philadelphia  as  in  sackcloth  and  ashes,  from  the 
desolating  effects  of  the  pestilence  which  walked  in  dark- 
ness and  wasted  as  at  noon-day.  Her  husband  was  re- 
moved by  the  epidemic;  and  in  the  same  season  her  be- 
loved friend  who  liad  watched  over  her  as  with  maternal 
care,  was  also  taken  away;  and,  during  her  widowhood,, 
three  of  her  children  died. 


RACHEL  ROWLAND. 


9 


Previously  to  this  period,  she  had  opened  her  mouth  in 
the  ministry  in  our  public  meeting?; ;  and  as  she  was  favour- 
ed to  abide  in  resignation  under  her  heavy  trials,  her  reli- 
gious experience  deepened,  and  she  became  increasingly 
qualified  to  engage  in  the  work  whereunto  she  was  called ; 
so  that  it  might  truly  be  said  of  her,  "  I  have  refined  thee, 
but  not  M-ith  silver,  I  have  chosen  thee  in  the  tumace  of 
affliction."  And  as  obedience  kept  pace  with  knowledge 
she  was  enaliled  to  bear  a  living  testimony  to  the  gospel 
of  Christ,  which  she  had  found  to  be  the  pov/er  of  God 
unto  salvation,  and  her  anchor  of  hope  and  consolation, 
amidst  the  afflictions  that  were  permitted  to  overtake  her. 
The  monthly  meeting  to  which  she  belonged,  was  prepared 
to  acknowledge  Iier  gift,  and  she  was  recommended  as  a 
minister. 

In  the  year  1799,  she  entered  into  marriage  with  our 
friend  James  Rowland.  In  the  discharge  of  the  interesting 
duties  of  a  wife  and  mother,  she  was  truly  exemplary,  and 
was  remarkable  for  her  care  and  tenderness  towards  all  her 
household.  In  her  intercourse  with  her  immediate  friends 
and  others,  her  christian  meekness  and  simplicity  combined 
with  a  mild  and  engaging  manner,  were  peculiarly  calcu- 
lated to  call  forth  the  respect  and  esteem  of  those  with 
whom  she  associated,  and  by  her  nsighbouft  she  was  much 
beloved. 

Having  drunk  deeply  of  the  cup  of  affliction,  she  was 
eminently  qualified  to  administer  tiie  balm  of  consolation 
to  those  who  were  suffering  under  either  bodily  or  mental 
trials,  and  her  time  was  much  occupied  in  following  the 

example  of  our  blessed  Lord,  in  going  about  doing  good  

Her  labours  of  love  were  not  confined  within  the  precincts 
of  our  own  religious  society,  but  her  christian  benevolence 
extended  towards  all  the  human  family.    Hence,  it  was 


10 


RACHEL  ROWLAND. 


her  concern,  under  the  direction  of  her  lieavenly  Guide,  to 
visit  the  abodes  of  sorrow;  and  in  the  chambers  of  sickness 
and  death,  her  affectionate  spirit  was  remarkably  qualified 
to  sooth  the  anguish  of  the  afflicted,  and  gently  to  point 
towards  that  Divine  Source  whence  all  real  consolation 
flows. 

Having  been  an  orplian  iiei-self,  her  heart  was  opened 
towards  this  interesting  portion  of  the  community,  and  in 
her  the  young  and  inexperienced  found  a 'sympathizing 
friend. 

She  took  great  delight  in  rcadi!ig  tlie  scriptures  of  truth 
to  her  children  and  other  members  of  her  family,  and  often 
quoted  and  applied  them  in  a  pertinent  manner  in  her  pub- 
lic communications. 

She  was  diligent  in  the  attendance  of  meetings' for  wor- 
ship and  discipline,  and  manifested  a  continued  concern  for 
the  promotion  of  Truth,  being  remarkable  for  her  solid  and 
inward  travail  for  the  arising  of  that  Light  and  Life  which 
is  the  solace  and  crown  of  our  religious  assemblies.  Her 
public  approaches  to  the  throne  of  Grace  were  fervent  and 
impressive ;  having  a  powerful  tendency  to  solemnize  the 
minds  of  the  congregation,  and  to  gather  into  the  same 
deep  and  reverential  feeling  which  influenced  her  exercised 
and  devoted  spirit. 

She  participated  deeply  in  ihose  trials-  -^vliich  Friends 
have  recerrtiy  passed  through,  and  long  suffered  in  silence 
under  m&ny  of  the  afflicting  occurrences  which  finally  let! 
to  a  division  in  our  religious  society:  but  having  been  pre- 
served in  a  state  of  meekness  and  quiet  suffering,  she  was, 
in  the  renewed  openings  of  Truth,  again  favoured  to  stand 
as  an  instrument  through  whom  the  benign  influence  of 
gospel  Love  flowed  in  our  meetings  to  our  encouragement 
and  consolation ;  t>nabun<>  us  to  rarse  thankful  hearts  to  him 


RACHEL  ROWLAND. 


11 


■who  remains  to  be  the  Leader  and  Redeemer  of  his  people. 

In  her  last  illness  she  was  mostly  confined  for  nearly 
five  months;  and  although  she  passed  throug-h  much  bodily 
affliction,  her  mind  was  favoured  to  experience  resignation 
to  the  Divine  will.  She  knew  in  whom  she  believed,  and 
cabnly  reposed  her  confidence  on  that  never-failing  Arm  of 
Divine  power  which  had  supported  her  through  life. 

To  a  female  friend  who  passed  much  time  with  her  in 
her  last  illness,  she  stated,  that  she  had  no  prospect  of  re- 
covering, and  supposed  it  would  be  a  satisfaction  to  her 
friends  to  know  something  of  the  state  of  her  mind  at  that 
solemn  period;  and  remarked,  that  she  had  not  left  the 
work  to  be  done  at  that  late  hour;  that  her  day's  work  was 
finished,  and  she  was  patiently  waiting  for  her  change ; 
that  all  was  peace  within,  and  nothing  in  her  way. 

During  the  progress  of  her  illness,  she  also  expressed  to 
the  same  friend  (when  speaking  of  the  late  division  in  our 
religious  society)  that  she  felt  entire  peace  in  the  step  she 
had  taken  in  regard  to  this  matter, —  that  it  was  the  result 
of  much  deliberate  consideration, —  that  she  had  never  look- 
ed back  at  that  act  with  regret,  but  on  the  contrary  the  con- 
templation thereof  was  always  attended  with  peace  and  sat- 
isfaction ;  and  that  her  faith  and  hope  remained  firm  and 
unchanged  in  that  Divine  Arm  of  power  which  had  been 
near  and  had  supported  her  through  many  trials. 

After  informing  a  friend  who  was  sitting  with  her,  that 
she  had  not  been  able  to  lie  down  for  six  weeks,  owing  to 
her  cough  and  diflSculty  of  breathing,  the  friend  remarked 
that  her  nights  must  be  trying; — she  answered  cheerfully 
'•Oh  no: — they  are  all  peace. — I  often  look  round  my 
chamber  at  night,  and  think  it's  all  heaven  ;  although  I  have 
nothing  to  boast  of.  I  have  my  low  times,  but  it's  peace- 
ful poverty,  and  this  I  consider  a  favour." 


12 


JOHN  HUNT. 


On  another  occasion  she  remarked  to  a  friend  and  his 
wife  who  called  to  see  her,  that  she  had  experienced  many 
long  and  tedious  sicknesse;?,  but  never  one  in  which  she 
had  been  so  uniformly  favoured  with  tranquillity  and  peace ; 
and  that  during  her  illness  she  had  been  reminded  of  an  ex- 
pression of  Samuel  Emlen's,  "That  all  was  so  calm,  there 
was  not  even  a  breeze  to  ruffle  the  surface." 

A  short  time  before  her  close  she  expressed  that  she  was 
waiting  to  be  released ;  that  all  was  peace,  and  not  a  cloud 
in  her  way.  She  quietly  departed,  as  one  falling  into  a 
sweet  sleep,  on  the  9th  day  of  the  2d  month,  1830,  in  the 
sixty-fourth  year  of  her  age,  and  her  remains  were  follow- 
ed to  the  grave  by  a  large  body  of  Friends  and  fellow-citi- 
zens. 

Thus  it  has  pleased  our  great  and  holy  Head  to  remove 
one  of  his  faithful  labourers  from  the  church  militant ;  and 
we  humbly  trust  that,  having  been  washed  and  made  white 
in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  her  redeemed  spirit  has  been  per- 
mitted to  join  the  church  triumphant  in  heaven,  and  to  re- 
ceive the  welcome  sentence,  "Well  done;  good  and  faith- 
ful servant — enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 


^  Testimony  of  Chester  monthly  meeting.  New  Jersey, 
concerning  John  Hunt,  a  minister,  deceased. 

The  remembrance  of  this  our  beloved  friend  being  pre- 
cious amongst  us,  it  is  apprehended  a  brief  account  of  him 
may  be  useful  to  survivors. 

It  appears  from  memorandums  which  he  left,  that  in  his 
youth  he  was  much  inclined  to  vanity ;  but  by  yielding  obe- 
dience to  the  "  reproofs  of  instruction,  which  are  the  way 
of  life,"  he  was  induced  to  withdraw  from  sucli  company 


JOHN  HUNT. 


13 


as  he  had  found  to  have  a  corrupting  tendency ;  and  by  at- 
tention to  this  principle  of  Divnie  grace,  he  was  led  to  seek 
retirement,  wherein  his  good  desires  were  strengthened. 
He  also  found  much  consolation  and  encouragement  in 
reading  the  scriptures  and  books  on  other  religious  sub- 
jects. Being  careful  diligently  to  attend  meetings,  his  mind 
became  exercised  under  an  apprehension  of  duty  to  express 
a  few  words  therein.  Having  at  length  yielded  to  these 
impressions,  he  experienced  the  reward  of  peace ;  and  the 
expansion  of  his  mind  was  such,  that  he  felt  love  to  flow 
toward  all  mankind  in  a  manner  he  had  never  before  wit- 
nessed. But  when  he  again  felt  his  mind  drawn  to  a  simi- 
lar discharge  of  duty,  he  was  induced  to  look  for  a  greater 
evidence  of  its  being  a  Divine  requiring;  and  so  put  it  off 
from  time  to  time  for  nearly  a  year,  much  to  his  own  disad- 
vantage. At  length,  he  gave  up  to  the  service,  and  con- 
tinued to  be  engaged  therein  to  the  close  of  his  days,  being 
a  minister  about  fifty  years;  and  though  his  gospel  labours 
were  much  about  home,  and  at  the  neighbouring  meetings, 
yet  he  made  divers  religious  visits  to  Friends  within  the 
compass  of  our  own  and  the  adjacent  Yearly  Meetings  to 
satisfaction. 

Being  an  example  in  plainness  and  simplicity,  he  also 
bore  a  public  testimony  against  pride  and  superfluity, 
which  he  observed  had  increased  to  an  alarming  degree ; 
frequently  reviving  the  testimony  of  William  Penn's  fa- 
ther, viz.  "  Son  William,  if  you  and  your  friends  keep  to 
your  plain  way  of  preaching,  and  plain  way  of  living,  you 
will  make  an  end  of  the  priests  to  the  end  of  the  world."  ■ 

His  concern  for  the  promotion  of  temperance,  often  in- 
duced him  to  labour  with  Friends  and  others  to  discourage 
the  customary  use  of  ardent  spirits.  His  care  for  the  risini/ 
generation  led  him  frequently  to  visit  schools,  and  on  other 
2 


^4 


JOHN  HUNT. 


occasions  to  use  his  endeavours  to  impress  upon  the  minds 
of  young  people,  the  necessity  of  circumspection  and 
watchfulness, — that  they  might  exercise  a  guarded  care 
against  the  encroachments  of  corrupting  customs  and  fash- 
ions; often  expressing  his  anxiety  that  all  might  be  excited 
to  diligence  in  their  respective  duties,  and  to  a  due  consid- 
eration of  their  latter  end. 

His  care  to  provide  for  his  family, —  his  punctual  obser- 
vance of  contracts,  and  regular  attention  to  engagements 
of  a  pecuniary  nature, — were  evidences  that  he  was  gov- 
erned by  honest  and  upright  principles.  His  diligence  in 
attending  religious  meetings, — his  visits  to  those  in  afflic- 
tion,— his  frequent  religious  labours  at  funerals,  and  at 
meetings  appointed  in  places  where  they  were  not  regular- 
ly held,  manifested  his  ardent  solicitude  to  be  faithful  in 
the  discharge  of  his  religious  obligations. 

His  gift  in  the  ministry  seemed  to  brighten  near  his 
close, — directing  all  carefully  to  aitend  to  "the  unspeak- 
able gift,"  or  "Light  of  Christ"  in  man,  as  being  the  only 
way  and  means  of  salvation ;  and  which  agrees  also  with 
Paul's  testimony,  that  "  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  sal- 
vation hath  appeared  to  all  men,  teaching  us,  that  denying 
ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  soberly, 
righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present  world."  And  he 
frequently  revived  this  observation,  "  That  society  or 
people  which  does  not  recur  to  first  principles  will  surely 
go  to  decay." 

As  a  man,  his  passions  were  easily  excited  under  cross 
occurrences;  which,  for  want  of  a  constant  watch,  some- 
limes  prevailed  so  as  to  occasion  much  subsequent  distress 
and  heart-felt  sorrow.  But  at  length  he  was  mercifully 
favoured  to  experience,  in  respect  to  this  "thorn  in  the 
llcsh,"  the  .sufficiency  of  that  grace  which  is  perfect,  evea 


JOHN  HUNT. 


15 


in  weakness.  A  few  years  before  his  death,  a  friend  who 
had  been  with  him  through  the  night,  encouraged  him  to 
seek  after  an  increase  of  patience :  with  tears  he  exclaimed,. 
"Why  this  has  always  been  my  weakness;  but  I  have 
prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  has  helped  me." 

He  was  diligent  and  industrious  both  in  his  domestic 
and  religious  services,  and  so  intent  was  his  mind  on  laying 
up  treasure  in  heaven  and  availing  himself  of  the  means  of 
improvement,  that  in  accordance  with  the  advice  of  William 
Penn  to  his  children,  he  kept  a  diary  for  more  than  forty 
years :  besides  which,  he  wrote  several  essays  and  many 
letters  on  moral  and  religious  subjects,  evincing  his  con- 
cern for  the  promotion  of  Truth  and  righteousness  amongst 
his  fellow-creatures. 

Though  often  labouring  under  bodily  infirmities,  he  was 
generally  able  to  attend  religious  meetings  till  near  his 
close ;  and  zealously  encouraged  others  to  faithfulness  in 
the  discharge  of  this  duty,  particularly  in  that  part  of  tlie 
week  wherein  so  much  deficiency  has  been  observed. 

During  his  last  illness  he  manifested  ranch  resignation ; 
often  saying  he  hoped  he  might  be  enabled  to  bear  patient- 
ly what  the  Lord  might  see  meet  to  inflict,  A  friend  call- 
ing to  see  him,  observed  he  was  sorry  to  find  him  so  ill ; 
he  replied,  "I  have  enjoyed  more  days  of  health,  than 
many  have  had:"  and  spoke  of  his  dissolution  with  great 
composure,  saying,  "The  words  of  John  Woolman  often 
occur  to  me,  '  My  dependance  is  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who,  I  trust,  will  forgive  my  sins,  which  is  all  I  hope  for." 

Thus,  we  have  reason  to  believe  he  was  favoured  to  wit- 
ness redemption  through  Christ  the  eternal  Word,  and  no 
doubt  gained  an  admittance  into  that  kingdom  where  the 
wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  where  the  weary  be  at 
rest. 


16  WILLIAM  TAYLOR. 

He  quietly  departed  this  life  the  23d  of  9th  month,1824, 
aged  about  eighty-four  years. 


A  Memorial  from  Makefield  monthly  meoting  in  Bucks 
county,  Ptiinsylvania,  concerning  William  Taylor. 

This  our  beloved  friend  was  born  in  the  year  1774,  of 
respectable  parents,  Timothy  and  Sarah  Taylor,  who  both 
deceased  while  he  was  young.  In  the  early  part  of  his 
life  he  participated  in  some  of  the  amusements  of  the  day, 
yet  he  sustained  among  his  friends  and  acquaintance  the 
character  of  an  innocent  young  man.  About  the  tAventy-se- 
cond  year  of  his  age  he  was  thrown  from  a  horse,  by  which 
one  of  his  legs  was  broken  so  that  he  never  recovered  from 
lameness.  This  dispensation  of  affliction  Avhich  confined 
him  nearly  a  year,  was,  through  the  effectual  workings  of  the 
Lord's  power,  sanctified  to  him,  and  brought  him  a  hum- 
ble suppliant  at  the  throne  of  Divine  grace ;  where  like 
Jacob  he  entered  into  covenant  with  a  covenant-keeping 
God. 

In  the  year  1802,  he  entered  into  the  marriage  state  with 
Anna,  the  d^nrhtor  of  Jonathan  and  Elizabeth  Kirkbride, 
and  FCtlled  in  liie  village  of  Dolington  near  this  meeting; 
where  he  honestly  and  usefully  followed  the  business  of  a 
.country  merchant,  conscientiously  avoiding  the  trade  in 
spirituous  liquors,  or  in  any  wise  using  them  as  a  drink. 
Thus,  following  the  aposde's  excellent  doctrine,  to  be  "dili- 
gent in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord,"  he 
was  blessed  in  his  labours ;  and  growing  in  grace  he  in- 
creased in  obedience  and  dedication  to  tire  manifestations 
of  Truth.  About  the  thirty-fourth  year  of  his  age,  he  was 
called  to  bear  a  public  testimony  to  the  efficacy  of  that 


WILLIAM  TAYLOR. 


vr 


power  witli  which  he  had  been  baptized,  and  in  self-abase- 
ment lie  gave  up  to  the  heavenly  vision.  His  preaching 
was  not  with  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom,  but  in  the 
simplicity  and  power  of  Truth.  Having  received  a  gift  in 
the  ministry,  he  was  careful  to  exercise  it  to  the  honour  of 
the  great  Giver,  and,  not  running  into  words  without  lifes 
his  ministry  was  preserved  pure  and  edifying. 

He  was  a  sincere  lover  of  peace  and  unity,  and  endea- 
voured to  promote  them  on  all  occasions;  and  where  he 
discovered  abroach  he  laboured  privately  for  the  restoration 
of  harmony.  He  was  an  advocate  for  the  discipline  and 
order  established  amongst  us,  and  was  careful,  when  a  con- 
cern arose  in  his  mind  with  clearness  to  pay  a  religious 
visit,  to  lay  his  prospect  before  his  friends  for  tlieir  consid- 
eration and  concurrence;  —  esteeming  tlic  unity  of  his 
christian  brethren  next  in  importance  to,  and  in  sudi  cases 
inseparably  connected  with,  the  Divine  approbation. 

He  was  very  useful  in  meetings  for  discipline,  especial- 
ly in  treating  with  offentlers,  his  mind  being  covered  with 
that  charity  which  is  the  clothing  of  the  redeemed  soul ; 
holding  out  this  important  view,  that  the  end  and  design 
oi"  christian  discipline  was  not  only  to  preserve  the  society 
sweet  and  clean,  but  to  restore  the  lost  sheep  of  the  liousa 
of  Israel.    Hence  he  was  prepared  to  meet  the  returning 
prodigal,  though  he  might  seem  afar  off,  and  to  offer  him 
encouragement  and  consolation.    Thus,  the  Divine  light 
that  was  graciously  vouchsafed  him,  not  being  hid  under  a 
bed,  nor  under  a  bushel,  but  placed  upon  a  candlestick  it 
gave  light  to  them  that  were  round  him,  commanding  the 
love  and  respect  of  his  neighbours  of  other  denominations,  . 
and  more  especially  of  his  friends,  by  whom  he  was  em  -  - 
ployed  in  important  services  which  he  performed  wiili  * 
punctuality,  diligence  and  care. 
2 


18 


WILLIAM  TAYLOR. 


As  a  husband,  he  was  loving  and  faithful ;  as  a  parent, 
tender  and  affectionate ;  being  concerned  to  bring  up  his 
children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord;  as  a 
neighbour,  he  was  kind  and  obliging.  Thus  adorning  his- 
christian  profession  as  an  example  of  the  believers  in 
faith,  in  patience,  and  in  purity. 

Observing  the  rapid  increase  of  that  cloud  which  had 
for  some  time  hung  over  our  society,  this  our  beloved 
friend  was  brought,  with  many  of  his  cotemporaries,  to 
weep  as  between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  and  in  humble 
supplication  to  adopt  the  language,  "  Spare  thy  people,  O 
Lord,  and  give  not  thy  heritage  to  reproach."  He  saw 
with  deep  sorrow  the  division  that  was  taking  place  in  our 
religious  society,  and  anticipated  as  a  consequence  the 
scattering  of  the  flock.  At  this  awful  crisis  he  was  brought 
under  close  trial  and  exercise ;  and  being  sincerely  concern- 
ed to  know  the  will  of  the  great  Head  of  the  church,  he  was 
impressed  with  the  necessity  of  supporting  the  principles 
and  testimonies  of  our  early  Friends,  who  were  concern- 
ed to  guard  against  the  two  extremes  to  which  the  militant 
church  has  ever  been  exposed, —  an  anti-christian  domina- 
tion on  the  one  hand,  and  an  irresponsible  independence  on 
the  other.  Being  confirmed  in  these  views,  he  continued 
closely  united  with  the  body  of  Friends,  and  was  peculiar^ 
ly  serviceable  at  that  trying  pei-iod — not  only  within  the 
limits  of  the  Quarter  to  which  he  belonged,  but  (under  the 
appointment  of  the  Yearly  Meeting)  to  meetings  without 
those  limits  where  Friends  were  in  difficulty. 

His  health  was  evidently  on  the  decline  for  more  than  a 
year  before  his  decease  ;  and  for  several  months  previous 
to  that  event,  he  was  confined  pretty  much  at  home,  though 
he  was  enabled  to  attend  the  particular  meetings  for  wor- 
ship and  discipline  to  which  he  belonged.    The  last  meet- 


■WILLIAM  TAYLOR. 


19 


ing  he  attended  was  the  Quarterly  meeting  for  ministers 
and  elders  held  at  Buckingham  in  the  month  preceding  that 
on  which  he  died ;  but  he  was  taken  so  unwell  at  that  time 
as  to  be  unable  to  attend  the  general  Quarterly  meeting 
held  the  next  day  ;  he  therefore  returned  home.  The  day 
after  his  return  he  was  about,  and  seemed  pretty  comfort- 
able until  towards  evening,  when  he  grew  worse;  after 
which  he  did  not  leave  his  room.  On  the  evening  of  the 
29th  of  5th  month,  he  was  seized  with  a  paralytic  affection, 
so  that  afterwards  he  had  very  little  if  any  use  of  his  left 
side.  His  speech  was  also  considerably  affected  by  it — 
but  at  times  he  could  speak  intelligibly.  He  sometimes 
seemed  desirous  to  be  released ;  but  often  expressed,  that 
though  his  sufferings  were  great  he  was  willing  to  wait 
the  right  time.  He  several  times  desired  to  see  his  chil- 
dren together ;  and  at  one  time  gave  them  some  directions 
relating  to  his  temporal  concerns ;  after  which  it  did  not 
appear  that  such  concerns  in  any  degree  occupied  the  at- 
tention of  his  mind.  He  advised  his  children  to  be  dihgent 
in  attending  religious  meetings,  and  gave  them  other  pro- 
fitable counsel ;  telling  them  also,  that  they  knew  he  had 
not  put  off  giving  them  instruction  till  he  was  on  a  death- 
bed. During  the  greater  part  of  the  time  of  his  illness,  he 
could  not  express  much  at  once  that  could  be  understood  ; 
but  from  what  could  be  gathered,  his  mind  appeared  to  be 
filled  with  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  the  Giver  of  every 
good  and  perfect  gift ;  and  he  frequently  said,  "  All  is  well." 

He  quietly  departed  this  life  on  the  16th  of  the  6th  mo. 
1831,  in  the  fifty-seventh  year  of  his  age  ;  —  and  was  in- 
terred in  _Friends'  burying  ground  at  Makefield  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  17th,  attended  by  many  connexions  and 
firiends. 


HUGH  FOULKE, 


A  Memorial  of  Gtvynedd  monthly  meeting,  concerning 
Hugh  Foulke. 

We  feel  concerned  to  preserve,  and  give  forth  the  follow- 
ing Testimony  concerning  our  beloved  friend,  Hugh 
Foulke,  deceased. 

He  was  the  son  of  Edward  and  Margaret  Foulke,  mem- 
bers of  this  meeting,  and  was  bom  the  21st  of  the  2d  mo., 
1752,  old  style.  In  early  life,  his  mind  was  imbued  with 
that  Divine  love  which  leads  to  an  earnest  desire  for  the 
welfare  of  the  human  family ;  and  as  he  yielded  obedi- 
ence to  the  teachings  of  Truth,  he  was  preserved  from 
many  of  the  hurtful  customs  and  vanities  which  often  mis- 
lead the  minds  of  unstable  youth.  As  he  advanced  in  re- 
ligious experience,  he  became  useful  in  assisting  others, — 
both  by  his  counsel  and  example.  He  was  also  quali6ed 
to  be  helpful  in  administering  the  discipline  of  our  religious 
society;  being  clothed  with  that  charity  and  meekness 
which  are  restoring  and  salutary.  From  early  life  till  near 
its  close,  he  was  frequently  appointed  on  the  important 
concerns  of  society ;  in  which  services  his  integrity  and 
faithfulness  were  useful  and  satisfactory. 

During  the  time  of  the  American  revolution,  he  suffered 
much  on  account  of  his  faithfulness  in  the  support  of  our 
peaceable  testimony  against  war;^but  he  was  enabled, 
not  only  to  bear  with  patience  and  resignation  the  priva- 
tions and  sufferings  that  were  permitted  to  befall  him, — but 
also  by  his  advice  and  example,  to  encourage  and  strength- 
en others  in  the  support  of  this  righteous  testimony. 

He  was  a  diligent  atlcnder  of  our  religious  meetings, 
both  for  worship  and.  discipline,  and  a  good  example  of 
hunihli^  waiting  therein.  In  his  conduct  and  deportment . 
he  carefully  adhered  to  iho  testinionies  of  'I'rutli,  as  pro- 


HUGH  FOULKE, 


21 


fessed  by  Friends ;  and  he  faithfully  laboured  for  their  sup- 
port, by  his  endeavours  to  strengthen  and  encourage  others 
to  a  like  dedication.  He  was  an  example  of  plainness  in 
dress,  in  manners,  and  in  furniture.  His  reading  was 
principally  confined  to  the  writings  of  early  Friends,  and 
the  scriptures  of  Truth;  the  frequent  perusal  of  which,  he 
was  careful  to  recommend  to  others. 

The  kindness  and  sweetness  of  his  disposition  endeared 
him  much, — not  only  to  those  in  religious  fellowship  with 
him,  but  to  others  unto  whom  he  was  known.  In  his  con- 
versation, he  was  agreeable  and  instructive, — particularly 
to  young  people,  who  generally  loved  his  society,  and  lis- 
tened with  attention  to  the  paternal  counsel  and  judicious 
remarks  that  were  blended  with  his  social  converse.  Hav- 
ing, by  long  experience  and  faithful  dedication  to  the  dic- 
tates of  best  Wisdom,  acquired  a  rich  fund  of  valuable  in- 
formation, he  was  like  a  "  scribe  instructed  unto  the  king- 
dom of  heaven," — bringing  forth  out  of  bis  treasury  things 
new  and  old. 

For  above  forty  years,  he  bore  a  faithful  testimony,  both 
by  precept  and  example,  against  the  use  of  spirituous 
liquors.  He  was  one  of  the  first  in  his  neighbourhood 
who  abandoned  the  use  of  them  in  hay-time  and  harvest : 
and,  although  in  the  beginning  many  difficulties  weie  to 
he  encountered,  yet  through  his  steadfastness  and  perse- 
verance, the  testimony  gained  ground  in  the  minds  of 
others  ;  and  the  practice  of  abstaining  from  the  use  of  them, 
became  more  general.  He  laboured  much  on  this  subject, 
both  publicly  and  privately ;  entreating  others,  particularly 
the  younger  class,  not  to  tamper  or  meddle  with  that  arti- 
cle, which  is  so  ruinous  in  its  effects, — so  corrupting  to 
the  morals  and  debasing  to  mankind,  and  the  source  of  sa 
much  misery  and  evil  in  the  land. 


22 


HUGH  FOULKE. 


He  was  for  many  years  an  elder  and  member  of  the 
Meeting  for  Sufferings ;  but  towards  the  close  of  his  life 
he  was  released  from  the  latter  appointment  at  his  own  re- 
quest. Being  a  man  of  sound  judgment  and  strict  integ- 
rity, he  had  much  place  in  the  minds  of  others,  and  was 
often  usefully  employed  in  the  settlement  of  differences 
in  his  neighbourhood :  and  near  the  close  of  his  days,  he 
remarked,  that  he  felt  peace  in  the  consciousness  that  in 
his  judgment  amongst  men,  he  had  endeavoured  to  give 
"  righteous  judgment," 

In  the  year  1816,  in  consequence  of  a  fall  he  became 
lame,  so  as  to  be  confined  to  his  house  for  several  months  ; 
but  was  remarkably  patient  and  resigned  under  this  afflic- 
tion. He  afterwards  recovered  so  much  as  to  be  able  to 
attend  meetings  near  home,  and  a  few  times  the  Yearly 
Meeting  held  in  Philadelphia;  the  last  of  which  was  in  the 
year  1829. 

His  last  illness  continued  for  some  weeks;  —  during 
which,  his  strength  of  body  gradually  declined,  but  the 
powers  of  his  mind  remained  unimpaired.  The  day  be- 
fore his  decease,  he  said  in  a  solemn,  impressive  manner, 
"I  feel  perfect  peace;  and  have  nothing  to  suffer,  but 
bodily  afflictions."  After  a  pause,  he  gave  directions  about 
some  of  his  temporal  affairs,  and  then  said  he  felt  easy  in 
this  respect.  As  his  end  drew  near,  he  was  favoured  with 
quiet,  peaceful  resignation;  and  his  last  expressions  to 
those  present  were,  "Don't  be  alarmed,  if  I  should  drop 
off  suddenly.  My  end  is  very  near.  I  am  drawing  fast  to 
a  close." 

He  departed  this  life  as  one  falling  asleep,  on  the  23d 
of  the  2d  month,  1831,  and  his  remains  were  interred  in 
Friends'  burying  ground  at  Gwynedd  on  the  25th  of  the 
same,  aged  about  seventy-nine  years. 


LEVICK  PALMER. 


23 


We  conclude,  with  desires-  that  his  exemplary  life  and 
peaceful  close  may  be  a  means  of  encouragement  to  survi- 
vors ; — and  especially,  that  the  youth  may  be  thereby 
stimulated  to  "seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his 
righteousness." 


Ji  Memorial  of  Camden  monthly  meeting  of  Friends  in 
Delaware,  concerning  Levick  Palmer, 

Who  departed  this  life  on  the  8th  day  of  the  11th  month, 
in  the  year  1834,  in  the  fifty-first  year  of  his  age;  and 
who,  for  the  last  ten  or  twelve  years  of  his  life,  filled  the 
station  of  an  elder  in  the  church  to  the  satisfaction  of 
Friends. 

His  parents  not  being  members  of  our  religious  society, 
upon  application  of  his  mother  to  Duck  Creek  monthly 
meeting  for  herself  and  minor  children,  they  were  received 
into  membership ;  at  which  period  he  was  about  twelve 
years  of  age.  Some  time  after,  he  was  placed  an  appren- 
tice in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  to  learn  the  mechanical 
trade  or  business  of  house  plasterer.  During  his  appren- 
ticeship, he  became  seriously  concerned  for  his  present 
and  future  welfare,  and  in  the  course  of  his  religious  exer- 
cises, he  became  a  practical  example  of  righteousness.  He 
was  remarkable  for  his  continued  diligence  in  attending 
our  religious  meetings  for  worship  and  discipline,  in  which 
his  mental  exercises  were  such  as  to  make  it  evident  to 
many  who  attended  with  him,  that  the  great  work  in  which 
he  was  engaged  was  to  lay  up  treasure  in  heaven,  "where 
neither  moth  nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do 
not  break  through  nor  steal."  Being  of  a  diffident  dispo- 
sition, he  was  seldom  active  in  our  meetings  for  discipline' 


1i4 


LEVICK  PAXMER, 


but  his  great  solemnity  on  these  occasions  had  the  effect 
to  solemnize  those  present,  and  convinced  them  that  his 
spirit  was  under  the  influence  of  Divine  power,  diligently- 
labouring  for  the  prosperity  and  growth  of  the  ever-bless- 
ed Truth. 

Having  experienced  the  operations  and  power  of  grace 
in  his  own  mind,  he  was  often  concerned  for  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  the  rising  generation,  for  whom  he  appeared 
frequently  under  much  exercise.  When  engaged  in  the 
pursuit  of  things  of  a  temporal  nature,  for  the  mainte- 
nance and  comfortable  support  of  a  rising  family  of  children, 
he  justly  sustained  the  amiable  character  of  a  kind  and  af- 
fectionate husband  and  father.  He  was  prudent,  charitable, 
and  benevolent ;  his  house  was  open  freely  to  receive  his 
friends  and  neighbours  of  every  denomination,  and  his 
heart  always  ready  to  feel  for,  and  his  hands  to  administer 
to,  the  necessities  of  those  whose  circumstances  in  life  ren- 
dered them  objects  of  his  christian  care  and  notice.  By  his 
innocent  and  unreserved  affability,  he  gained  esteem  and 
acceptance  with  all  classes  of  men  among  whom  he  dwelt : 
and  the  effects  of  that  love  of  his  neighbours  which  was 
conspicuous  throughout  his  religious  life,  yet  live  in  the 
hearts  of  many  who  have  been  partakers  of  his  charities 
and  kind  attentions,  and  who  were  frequently  constrained 
in  gratitude  to  call  him  friend  and  father. 

His  nervous  system  being  weak,his  trials  at  times  were  ap- 
parently too  much  for  his  natural  sti-ength ;  but  by  continued 
faithfulness  to  the  manifestations  of  Truth,  he  was  blessed 
and  mercifully  supported  through  these  afflictions;  and  in 
his  last  illness  manifested  to  those  attending  him,  that  he 
had  lived  the  life  of  the  righteous,  and  was  ready  to  enter 
into  that  rest  prepared  for  such  before  the  foundation  ol 
the  world. 


r.LlSHA  DAWSON. 


25 


Such  being  a  just  outline  of  the  life  and  religious  cha- 
racter of  the  deceased,  we  doubt  not  that  his  departed  spirit 
is  at  rest  with  those  of  all  the  just  made  perfect,  and  that 
our  loss,  however  afflicting,  is  his  everlasting  gain.  His 
remains  were  interred  in  Friends'  burial  ground  at  Little 
Creek,  on  the  9th  day  of  the  11th  month,  1834,  attended 
by  a  large  company  of  Friends  and  others,  as  a  testimony 
of  the  good  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  by  those  who 
knew  him. 


A  Memorial  of  Camden  monthly  meeting  in  Delaware 
concerning  Elisha  Dawson. 

As  the  memory  of  the  righteous  is  often  blessed  to  sur- 
vivors, we  feel  a  concern  to  preserve  the  following  testi- 
mony concerning  our  beloved  friend  Elisha  Dawson,  late- 
ly deceased. 

He  was  born  in  Caroline  county  in  the  state  of  Maryland, 
in  the  year  1766.  His  parents,  William  and  Isabella  Daw- 
son, were  exemplary  members  of  a  society  then  known 
by  the  name  of  Nicholites;  a  people  who  were  piously 
concerned  to  bear  testimony  against  many  of  the  evils 
prevalent  in  their  day,  amongst  the  high  professors  of  a  re- 
ligion which  breathes  "  peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to 
men."  In  obedience  to  the  pure  dictates  of  that  religion, 
they  held  a  firm  testimony  against  oaths,  war,  and  an 
hireling  ministry.  And  as  they  kept  faithful  to  the  inward 
discoveries  of  heavenly  Light,  they  became  convinced 
of  the  iniquity  of  holding  their  fellow-creatures  in  slavery. 
In  consequence  hereof,  through  much  opposition  and  diffi- 
3 


26 


ELISHA  DAWSON. 


culty,  ihey  persevered  until  they  had  all  freed  their  slaves ; 
and  they  were  enabled  to  engraft  on  their  code  of  discipline 
a  prohibition  of  the  practice,  under  the  penalty  of  excom- 
munication from  their  society. 

Under  the  religious  care  of  such  parents,  Elisha  Daw- 
son received  his  education;  and  passed  through  the  trials 
and  temptations  incident  to  the  early  periods  of  life,  in 
much  innocency. 

When  about  twenty-one  years  of  age,  he  entered  into 
the  marriage  state  with  a  daughter  of  James  Harris,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  same  religious  society.  About  the  year  1798, 
he,  with  many  others  of  the  Nit  holites,  joined  the  society 
of  Friends ;  and  a  short  time  afterwards,  the  remainder 
(with  the  exception  of  a  very  few)  were  taken  into  mem- 
bership. When  about  thirty  years  of  age,  his  mind  was 
brought  into  a  close  exercise ;  under  which  he  came  to  see 
and  feel  that  a  mere  outward  or  traditional  religion,  how- 
ever strictly  its  rules  might  be  observed,  would  not  avail 
in  the  sight  of  Him  that  searcheth  the  heart.  In  passing 
through  this  dispensation,  he  was  led  into  frequent  retire- 
ment; and  during  the  conflict  was  brought  very  low  in  body 
and  mind.  On  being  advised  to  consult  a  physician  on  ac- 
count of  his  health,  he  declined  ;  saying,  he  believed  when 
the  object  of  this  probation  should  be  attained,  his  health 
would  return. 

Having  thus,  in  a  measure,  experienced  the  nature  of 
christian  redemption,  he  became  concerned  that  others 
might  come  to  understand  and  enjoy  the  blessing  pro- 
nounced by  the  Divine  Master  on  "the  pure  in  heart." 
Under  this  concern  he  first  appeared  in  the  ministry,  about 
the  year  1800;  and  continuing  faithful  to  tlie  call,  he  grew 
in  the  gift,  and  became  qualified  to  hold  up  In  ihr-  world. 


ELISilA  DAWSOX.  27 

with  couvinciiig  clearness,  the  efficacy  and  sufficiency  of 
the  Divine  Light,  as  "  God's  gift  for  man's  salvation." 
He  travelled  much  in  the  ministry  on  this  continent,  du- 
ring a  period  of  twenty  years ;  extending  his  travels  from 
Canada  in  ihe  north,  to  the  remote  settlements  of  Friends 
in  the  southern  and  western  parts  of  the  United  States, — 
and  produced  s^aUsfactory  certificates  of  the  unity  and  love 
of  his  brethren  from  most  of  the  parts  visited.  In  the 
spring  of  L8t35,  lie  opened  to  his  fellow-members  a  concern 
he  had  had  on  his  mind  for  many  years,  to  pay  a  religious 
visit  to  Friends  in  England,  Ireland,  and  on  the  continent 
of  Europe, — as  way  might  open.  Having  received  certi- 
ficates of  the  unity  and  concurrence  of  his  brethren  of  the 
monthly,  Quarterly  and  Yearly  Meetings,  he  embarked 
from  New  York  the  10th  day  of  the  6lh  month  following, 
lie  travelled  through  many  parts  of  England  and  Ireland, 
and  visited  the  island  of  Guernsey  ;  —  discharging  liis  duty 
as  an  ambassador  of  peace  and  salvation,  as  way  opened 
for  religious  labour.  After  having  discharged  what  he  be- 
lieved to  be  his  religious  duty,  he  returned  to  America, 
and  gave  a  satisfactory  account  of  his  proceedings  during 
his  absence. 

A  short  time  before  his  decease,  writing  to  some  of  his 
dear  friends  in  Ireland,  he  used  the  following  expressions  : 
"At  such  a  time  as  this,  when  every  tiling  that  can  be 
shaken  in  the  religious  world,  appears  almost  to  be  moved 
and  shaken, — when  encompassed  with  trials,  tribulations 
and  probations,  both  within  and  without,  is  it  not  a  matter 
of  joy  unutterable,  to  feel  a  sure  resting  place  within  the 
glorious  pavilion  Him  w  ho  is  almighty,  and  graciously 
disposed  to  bear  up  our  sotds  through  all  storms,  to  our 
unspeakable  comfort  ?" 


28 


ELISTHA  DAWSON. 


On  seventh-day,  the  22d  of  the  4th  month,  1837,  he 
crossed  the  river  Delaware  from  Philadelphia  to  Kaighn's 
Point.  On  tlie  day  following  he  attended  Friends'  meet- 
ing at  Camden,  New  Jersey,  where  he  appeared  weightily 
in  the  ministry.  After  mgeting  he  went  home  with  our 
friend  Joseph  Kaighn,  where  he  spent  the  afternoon  and 
evening  very  acceptably  to  the  family, — relating  many  in- 
teresting circumstances  connected  with  his  late  religious 
visit  to  Great  Britain,  and  was  particularly  interesting  in 
illustrating  some  passages  of  scripture.  He  retired  to  bed 
apparently  in  usual  health,  but  was  taken  with  a  chill  in 
the  night,  followed  by  fever.  The  remedies  usual  in  such 
cases  not  producing  the  desired  effect,  he  gradually  sunk 
under  the  force  of  the  disease.  To  some  of  his  grandchil- 
dren who  visited  him  in  his  illness,  he  said,  "  Dear  chil- 
dren, you  may  think  your  prospect  brighter  than  mine  in 
this  world,  but  I  am  prepared  to  die;  I  am  not  grieved  that 
my  time  has  arrived.  I  have  been  endeavouring  through 
my  life  to  serve  the  Lord  and  do  his  will,  and  now  I  have 
nothing  to  do  but  die."  On  another  occasion,  he  expressed 
his  deep  interest  for  Friends  in  England  and  Ireland,  and 
said,  that  the  receipt  of  several  letters  from  thence,  bright- 
ened the  chain  of  affection  between  them. 

He  often,  with  much  sweetness  of  mind,  expressed  his 
gratitude  to  his  wife  and  attending  friends  for  their  kind- 
ness. He  continued  gradually  to  sink,  until  second-day 
morning,  the  1st  of  the  5th  month;  when,  about  fifteen 
minutes  past  nine  o'clock,  hit  meek  and  gentle  spirit  passed 
quietly  away,  we  trust  to  the  glorious  reward  of  a  life  that 
had  been  dedicated  to  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteous- 
ness. 


EAUTKOLOMEW  FUSSEI.L. 


29 


Jl  Memorial  of  Uivchlan  monthly  meeting  concerning 
our  deceased  friend  Bartholomew  Fussell. 

It  was  the  testimony  of  William  Penn  concerning  the 
sons  of  the  morning  in  his  day,  that  "  they  were  changed 
men  themselves,  before  they  went  about  to  change  others  :" 
and  it  was  the  frequent  exhortation  of  such  one  unto  an- 
other, "  To  preach  as  they  ouglit,  and  to  live  as  they  preach- 
ed," relying  upon  the  light  of  Christ,  exemplified  in  a  holy 
life,  and  not  upon  any  arts  or  parts  of  men,  or  the  learning 
and  wisdom  of  the  world.  And  as  these  views  were  re- 
markably exemplified  in  the  innocent  life,  and  the  exam- 
ple of  dedication  and  faithfulness  of  this  our  dear  friend  in 
advanced  age,  it  is  believed  the  memorial  of  him,  as  it  lives 
in  the  hearts  of  those  who  knew  him,  may  be  profitable  to 
survivors. 

He  was  born  in  Philadelpliia  the  28th  of  9th  month, 
1754,  and  at  the  age  of  six  years,  removed  with  his  parents 
into  Chester  county,  within  the  verge  of  Pikeland  meeting, 
a  branch  of  Uwchlan  monthly  meetmg;  where  he  continu- 
ed a  member  (excepting  for  a  short  time)  until  1808,  when 
he  was  united  to  Gwynedd  monthly  meeting  in  Montgom- 
ery county.  In  1813,  he  removed  with  his  family  into 
the  state  of  Maryland,  and  was  a  member  of  Litdc  Falls 
monthly  meeting  about  nineteen  years.  In  the  year  1832, 
he  returned  to  reside  within  the  compass  of  Pikeland  meet- 
ing aforesaid,  being  rccosnmende  l  by  certificate  to  Uwch- 
lan monthly  meeting  as  an  approved  minister. 

He  first  appeared  in  the  ministry  about  the  year  1802, 
when  he  was  nearly  fifty  years  of  age.  Thus  devoted  to 
ihe  cause  of  Truth  a.ul  righteousness,  his  last  days  were 


30 


BARTHOLOMEW  FTJSSELL. 


his  best  days.  As  he  advanced  in  hte,  his  disposition  which 
was  naturally  hasty,  became  sweetened  by  the  all-subdu- 
ing power  of  Truth, — so  that  in  old  age,  when  human  na- 
ture, without  the  aid  and  strength  of  Divine  grace,  is  gene- 
rally subject  to  increased  irritability,  he  appeared  to  be  so 
under  the  influence  of  the  gospel  spirit  as  to  be  clothed 
with  its  composing  power  as  with  a  garment. 

The  diligent  attendance  of  all  our  religious  meetings, 
especially  those  for  the  worship  of  Almighty  God,  was 
among  the  incumbent  duties  which  he  often  inculcated  by 
precept,  and  always  by  his  own  example;  —  and  he  was 
frequently  concerned  to  recommend  a  patient  and  reverent 
waiting  therein.  It  was  also  remarkable  in  the  meetings 
of  his  home-friends,  particularly  on  week-days,  that  his 
"  few  words  fitly  spoken"  were  like  "the  oil  poured  upon 
the  head," — sometimes  evidently  reaching  to  the  minds 
of  the  children,  and  even  to  those  that  were  afar  off.  It 
seemed  to  be  his  constant  concern,  to  direct  Friends  to  the 
knowledge  and  experience  of  living  and  spiritual  worship 
in  themselves,  without  dependance  one  upon  another,  or 
upon  any  act  or  outward  form,  however  commendable  in 
itself.  At  one  of  the  last  meetings  he  attended,  as  though 
it  was  a  legacy  to  his  friends  and  to  society  at  large,  he 
quoted  with  much  feeling  the  exhortations  of  the  apostle-, 
"  I  beseecTi  you,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of  God,"  that 
you  forsake  not  the  assembling  of  yourselves  together  as 
the  manner  of  some  is,  but  "that  ye  present  your  bodies  a 
living  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  God,  which  is  your 
reasonable  service." 

He  visited,  in  the  course  of  his  ministry,  most  of  the 
(meetings  of  Friends  in  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  and 
sjiSJiy  in  parts  of  Virginia,  New  Jersey  and  places  adjacent : 


BARTHOLOMEW  FUSSELL. 


31 


and,  from  accounts  received,  it  is  believed  he  visited  all  the 
families  of  Friends  (excepting  those  in  the  city)  belonging 
to  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting;  and  several  of  them  and  the 
families  of  some  other  meetings  more  than  once.  He  was 
at  times  also  led  to  appoint  meetings  out  from  among 
Friends;  —  and  from  his  own  account  of  these  religious 
services  and  labours,  and  the  sense  of  those  who  accompa- 
nied him,  they  were  often  seasons  of  favour. 

We  have  no  wish  to  enlarge,  but  may  add  ;  that  in  the 
greenness  of  old  age  he  laboured  faithfully  according  to 
ability  for  the  maintenance  of  our  christian  testimonies;  — 
and  his  concern  and  zeal  for  their  advancement,  particular- 
ly those  against  the  unnecessary  use  of  ardent  spirits  and 
slavery,  were  observed  to  increase  with  his  years.  By  the 
power  of  the  gospel  he  became  a  practical  christian,  and  as 
a  preacher  of  righteousness,  bore  ample  testimony  of  what 
his  own  hands  had  handled  of  the  good  word  of  life. 

Though  in  declining  health  and  very  feeble  in  body,  he 
attended  Pikeland  meeting  the  7th  of  the  10th  mo.  1838, 
and  appeared  in  a  lively  and  impressive  testimony;  recom- 
mending patient  and  humble  waiting  upon  the  Lord; — de- 
claring it  to  be  his  l^elief  that  they  who  did  so,  would  in 
due  time  know  an  increase  of  strength,  and  would  be  en- 
abled to  rise  above  the  many  letting  and  hindering  things 
of  this  world; — and  in  conclusion  he  quoted  the  scripture 
promise,  "  They  shall  mount  upwards  on  wings  as  eagles ; 
they  shall  run  and  not  be  weary;  they  shall  walk  and  not 
faint."  Thus  his  day's  work  was  finished.  The  next  morn- 
ing being  taken  ill,  he  appeared  very  sensible  of  his  situa- 
tion, and  acknowledged  it  as  a  favour,  to  have  the  consoUng 
evidence  at  such  a  time,  that  the  great  work  was  not  to  do. 
At  another  lime  he  said,    It  is  a  great  favour  at  such  a. 


32 


MARY  LUKENS. 


time  as  this,  to  have  the  work  done,  and  to  know  it  to  be 
wrought  through  faithfulnrss." 

From  the  first  he  appeared  very  patient  under  great  suf- 
fering, and  entirely  resigned;  and  said  he  had  no  desire  to 
be  raised  again.  He  said  but  little  during  the  time  of  his 
illness,  which  lasted  nine  days ;  but  retained  his  senses  to 
the  last,  and  was  very  affectionate  to  those  around  him, 
particularly  to  his  wife,  whom  he  desired  to  have  with  him 
all  the  time,  except  when  she  was  taking  rest. 

On  the  evening  of  the  17th,  he  inquired  of  his  son  what 
o'clock  ;  and  being  informed,  he  said,  "  Well,  it  is  a  hard 
passage."  Then,  resuming  his  position  in  the  bed,  he  pa- 
tiently waited  until  his  change  came.  He  departed  this 
life  the  17th  of  the  10th  mo.  1838,  in  the  eighty-fifth  year 
of  his  age ;  and  we  doubt  not  is  now  an  inhabitant  of  that 
city,  "  whose  walls  are  salvation  and  whose  gates  are 
praise." 


A  Testimony  of  Fallowfield  mO)ithly  meeting  concerning 
Mary  Lvkens. 

Believing  if  may  be  useful  to  «ttrvivorg,  we  are  engaged 
to  prsserv'e  a  memorial  of  the  virtues  of  our  beloved  friend 
Mary  Lukens. 

^iio  vvas  born  tiie  3d  day  of  the  9th  month,  1764,  and 
wos  the  daupfhter  of  Isaac  and  Hannah  Shoemaker,  of  Up- 
per Dublin,  Montgomery  county,  Pennsylvania.  In  very 
cirlv  life,  she  was  made  willing  to  take  up  the  cross,  and 
?t  the  age  of  eighteen,  appeared  in  the  ministry.  Keeping: 
i-losely  in  the  path  of  self-denial,  siie  remained  with  her 
parents,  managing  for  ihejr  support  and  comfort  until  the 


MARV  LUKENS, 


33 


time  of  lier  marriage  with  Daniel  Lukens,  in  her  twenty- 
eighth  year. 

She  was  a  Avoman  of  active  and  industrious  habits,  and 
faithful  in  the  performance  of  her  christian  duties.  She 
was  a  willing  helper  in  the  chamber  of  sickness  at  home, 
and  in  the  neiohbourhood  for  miles  around ;  and,  being  re- 
markable for  her  cheerful  and  happy  disposition,  was  en- 
abled to  raise  the  desponding  mind,  while  she  administer- 
ed to  the  relief  of  the  body.  It  became  a  matter  of  fre- 
quent occurrence,  that  persons  Avhose  minds  had  been  led 
away  by  the  follies  and  vices  of  the  age,  when  brought  to 
the  bed  of  disease,  pressingly  invited  her  company.  On 
such  occasions,  she  was  often  favoured  in  the  exercise  of 
the  ministry ;  and,  through  the  mercies  of  God,  was  re- 
markably successful  in  bringing  their  minds  to  centre  in 
the  "unspeakable  gift."  In  the  duties  of  hospitality  she 
was  ever  found  faithful,  not  coveting  to  be  rich  (as  she 
would  say)  but  desiring  only  to  have  what  was  needful  for 
the  support  of  a  family  and  the  entertainment  of  her  friends 
in  a  plain  way. 

She  was  an  acknowledged  minister  in  the  society  for 
nearly  forty  years,  and  was  frequently  engaged  in  attend- 
ing the  neighbouring  meetings.  She  also  visited  the  fami- 
lies of  a  number  of  monthly  meetings,  and  performed  sev- 
eral visits  at  a  distance  in  Truth's  service  ;  one  of  which, 
iii  company  with  her  husband,  in  the  year  1822,  was  to 
Ohio  Yearly  Meeting,  and  from  thence  to  the  Seneca  tribe 
of  Indians,  on  the  Cattaraugus.  It  appears  from  her  Jour- 
nal, that  she  had  a  solid  and  satisfactory  meeting  with 
them  ;  at  the  close  of  which,  one  of  the  chiefs  stood  up  and 
expressed  inuch  thaakfulness.  and  said  lie  '.■•"iioved  tlifir 
Avomen  and  c'.iildrcn  understood  what  htii  hsvn  ^>aid 
4* 


34  MARY  LUKEXS. 

that  we  were  the  people  who  first  took  them  by  the  hand 
to  instruct  them, —  and  he  thanked  the  Great  Spirit  that  put 
it  in  our  hearts  to  come  and  see  them;  and  said  they  would 
heartily  pray  the  Great  Spirit  to  conduct  us  safely  home. — 
Afterwards  they  proceedq^  to  Tunesassah,  and  had  a  com- 
fortable meeting  with  the  Indians  at  that  place,  where 
similar  tokens  o  satisfaction  were  given  by  one  of  the 
chiefs. 

In  the  performance  of  this  visit,  she  encountered  many 
difficulties  and  disappointments,  but  returned  home  with 
innocent  gladness  t;  the  bosom  of  her  family,  like  the  faith- 
ftil  husbandman  wiih  the  last  sheaf  of  the  harvest:  and  at 
the  end  of  her  Journal,  she  has  the  following  words:  "I 
often  had  to  say.  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  thou 
great  and  Holy  One."  In  the  public  interview  she  had 
with  the  Indians,  she  told  them  she  had  wanted  to  come 
and  see  them  ever  since  she  was  a  young  woman.  Al- 
though the  accomplishment  of  this  concern  was  long  de- 
layed, yet  in  the  end  the  recollection  thereof  afforded  her 
solid  satisfaction. 

She  was  often  led  into  deep  sympathy  for  those  of  her 
fellow-creatures  held  in  bondage,  and  would  sometimes 
speak  in  our  religious  meetings  on  their  behalf;  inviting 
the  audience  to  lay  the  matter  deeply  to  heart,  and  be  ready 
on  all  occasions  to  act  the  part  of  the  good  Samaritan;— 
cautioning  against  that  spirit  which  would  pass  by  "  on 
the  other  side."  The  coloured  people  who  resided  in  her 
family,  and  many  of  those  within  the  sphere  of  her  ac- 
quaintance, have  given  strong  testimony  to  her  christian 
virtues. 

She  frequently  held  up  to  view,  publicly  and  privajely, 
the  giteat  importance  of  attending  meetings  for  Divine  wor- 


MARY  LUKENS. 


35 


ship  ;  of  which  she  was,  through  life,  a  practical  example. 
On  such  occasions,  she  gave  evidence  that  her  mind  was 
centred  in  that  state  of  true  spiritual  devotion^  which  is  con- 
sistent with  the  dignity  and  solemnity  of  such  opportuni- 
ties ;  and  her  concern  was,  frequently  to  urge  on  those  at- 
tending, to  leave  the  world  behind, —  to  avoid  being  en- 
gaged at  the  meeting-house  on  their  worldly  concerns, — 
and  to  guard  against  a  drowsy  or  resdess  disposition  in 
meetings. 

In  her  family,  she  was  kindly  affectionate,  and  impress- 
ed upon  her  children  (niwe  in  number)  at  an  early  age,  the 
importance  of  attending  to  their  religious  duties.  She  also 
made  it  a  rule  to  take  as  many  of  them  to  meeting  with 
her,  as  circumstances  would  permit.  She  was  in  the  prac- 
tice of  frequently  collecting  her  family  together  to  wait  upon 
the  Lord  ;  on  which  occasions  her  children  sometimes  read 
in  the  scriptures  or  other  religious  books. 

In  the  year  1832,  she  Avas  affected  with  a  paralysis  in 
her  right  side,  which  entirely  disabled  her  right  arm,  and, 
for  a  time,  her  movements  on  foot.  This  deprivation  she 
continued  to  bear  with  much  christian  resignation.  The 
sick  and  needy,  however,  occupied  her  mind  as  usual ;  and 
she  would  frequently  urge  some  part  of  the  family  to  in- 
quire into  such  cases,  and  give  the  necessary  relief.  After 
a  time,  she  became  so  far  restored  as  to  be  able  to  attend 
meetings,  and  was  often  exercised  in  her  gift  therein.  By 
the  assistance  of  her  family  and  friends,  she  also  perform- 
ed, at  different  times,  several  visits  from  home  in  the  ser- 
vice of  Truth. 

Two  days  before  her  death,  she  attended  Cain  Quarter- 
ly meeting;  in  the  latter  part  of  which,  she  was  taken  ill. 
Next  day  she  returned  home  apparently  recovered  ;  but  the 


36 


NARY  LUKENS. 


night  follou  inor  she  h.ad  a  severe  attack,  which  continued 
several  hours.  In  the  morning,  she  spoke  very  affection- 
ately to  her  children  and  those'  around  her,  nearly  in  these 
words:  "Dear  children,  Ave  must  all  die:  remember  it 
every  day.  It  is  an  every-day  Avork  to  be  a  christian. — 
Be  not  proud.  Have  God  always  before  your  e}-es.  Love 
one  another:  — live  in  love."  She  also  quoted  several  ap- 
propriate passages  of  scripture,  and  spoke  of  the  love  she 
felt  for  her  good  Master  who  had  followed  and  fed  her  all 
her  life  long.  She  likeAvise  spoke  of  the  time  she  had  been 
met  Avith  in  early  life,  and  made  covenant  with  him,  and 
that  she  had  never  had  cause  to  repent  it;  adding,  "  I  often 
had  to  re  joice  and  be  glad,  that  I  was  given  up  to  do  his  will." 
Then  said,  "Oh!  the  importance  of  being  ready!  Nothing 
like  it  in  all  the  Avorld.  Dear  children,  keep  a  single  eye 
to  the  Lord." 

At  anotlier  time  she  spoke  of  tlie  early  covenant  she  had 
made,  and  referred  to  the  time  of  her  first  appearance  in 
the  ministry; — encouraging  all  to  hold  on,  and  the  end 
Avould  crown  all ;  and,  making  a  short  pause,  she  added, 
"Hosanna!  Hosanna,  to  Him  in  the  highest!"  About 
noon,  it  Avas  observed  her  breathing  was  attended  with 
difficulty;  —  and  in  the  evening,  Avithout  showing  any 
symptoms  of  alarm  or  uneasiness,  she  made  a  quiet  and 
peaceful  close,  on  the  26th  of  the  10th  month,  1839,  in 
her  seventy-sixth  year. 


JOSEPH  PARRISH. 


37 


A  Testimony  from  the  monthly  meeting  of  Friends  of 
Philadelphia  held  at  Cherry  Street,  concerning  Joseph 
Parrish. 

To  perpetuate  tlie  memory  of  the  righteous  is  justly 
considered  a  powerful  auxiliary  to  the  cause  of  piety  and 
virtue ; — that  they,  although  dead,  may  yet  speak  and  con- 
tinue to  hold  forth  the  inviting  language,  Come  follow  us, 
as  we  have  followed  Christ,  Under  this  view,  we  have 
been  led  to  bear  the  following  testimony  concerning  our 
beloved  friend  Joseph  Parrish. 

He  Vi'as  born  in  Philadelphia  on  the  2nd  day  of  the  9th 
month,  1779.  Kis  parents,  Isaac  and  Sarah  Parrish,  lived 
to  an  advanced  age  and  were  valuable  members  of  our  re- 
ligious society ;  adorning  their  profession  by  lives  of  prac- 
tical rightemi>nesg.  Our  dear  friend  was  the  youngest  of 
eleven  children,  and  was  educated  in  the  principlee  of 
Truth ;  it  being  the  religious  concern  of  his  parents,  to 
bring  up  their  offspring  in  the  "nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord."  At  nn  early  age  his  mind  appeared  to  be  hum- 
bled under  the  tendering  viHitalions  of  heavenly  love; 
whereby  he  was  brought  to  feel  his  entire  depcndance  upon 
the  Divine  Being  for  strength  and  preservation ;  and  by 
abiding  under  thisi  feeling,  he  was  mereifully  preserved  in 
a  good  degree  of  innocence  and  simplicity. 

As  he  passed  through  the  slippery  paths  of  youth,  and 
was  assailed  by  various  temptations  incident  to  this  period 
of  life,  he  often  felt  his  own  frailty;  under  a  sense  of  which 
he  Avas  induced  to  seek  opportunities  for  inward  retire- 
ment, and  for  strength  to  maintain  his  integi-ity.  Thus  sub- 
mitting in  early  life  to  the  power  of  Truth,  he  became  a 
devoted  follower  of  our  Divine  Master,  exhibiting  to  his 
young  associate?,  by  the  innocence  and  simphcity  of  his 


38 


JOSEPH  PARRISH. 


deportment,  an  example  of  obedience  to  the  manifestations 
of  Divine  light  in  his  soul. 

During  his  minority,  he  remained  under  the  parental 
roof,  learning  the  trade  of  a  hatter, — that  being  the  occu- 
pation of  his  father.  He  was  however  from  early  life 
strongly  inclined  to  the  study  of  medicine,  and  Avas  pre- 
vented from  pursuing  it  only  through  a  fear  on  the  part  of 
his  parents,  that  his  young  and  tender  mind  would'  be  in- 
jured by  the  contaminating  influences  to  which  he  might 
thereby  be  exposed.  When  he  had  reached  his  twenty- 
second  year,  the  way  opened  to  engage  in  the  pursuit  for 
which  the  inclination  of  his  mind  and  the  benevolence  of 
his  character,  seemed  peculiarly  to  be  adapted.  It  appears 
from  a  Diary  found  among  his  papers,  that  he  was  intro- 
duced into  deep  baptism  at  the  prospect  of  this  underta- 
king,—  fearing  lest  the  many  temptations  to  which  he 
might  be  exposed,  would  weaken  hi?  allegiance  to  that  Di- 
vine Power  which  had  preserved  him  in  the  path  of  recti- 
tude. But  by  attention  to  tlie  heavenly  Guide,  he  was 
enabled  so  to  pass  through  the  period  of  his  medical  studies 
that  he  was  remarked  among  his  class-mates  for  liis  fidelity  to 
his  religious  testimonies,  and  for  the  sweetness  and  inno- 
cency  of  his  disposition. 

In  the  year  1808,  he  was  married  to  Susanna  Cox, 
daughterof  John  and  Ann  Cox,  of  Burlington,  New  Jersey; 
with  whom  he  lived  in  much  harmony  for  more  than  thirty- 
two  years.  He  was  blessed  with  a  numerous  offspring  ; — 
and,  being  deeply  sensible  of  his  responsible  standing  as 
the  head  of  a  family,  it  was  his  custom  to  collect  them  for 
the  purpose  of  silent,  social  worship  ;  and  as  way  opened, 
portions  of  the  holy  scriptures,  or  of  some  other  good 
book,  were  read  and  commented  upon  for  their  edification 
and  instruction.    In  the  exercise  of  parental  authority,  he 


JOSEPH  PARRISH. 


39 


combined  firmness  with  meekness  and  love;  striving  to 
lead  his  children  in  the  path  of  simplicity  and  truth,  by  the 
uprightness  of  his  daily  walk,  before  them  and  by  affec- 
tionate admonition,  rather  than  by  coercive  measures. 

In  the  practice  of  his  profession,  he  was  endeared  to  the 
sick  and  suffering  by  the  tenderness  and  kindness  which 
he  manifested  towards  them ;  and,  being  often  brought  near 
to  them  in  spirit,  he  was  qualified  to  administer  consola- 
tion and  comfort,  both  to  them  and  to  their  sorrowing  re- 
latives, in  seasons  of  close  proving.  Being  endowed  with 
vigorous  powers  of  mind,  and  possessing  a  remarkable  ap- 
titude for  the  pursuit  in  which  he  was  engaged,  he  became 
eminent  for  his  medical  skill  and  knowledge,  and  was  ex- 
posed to  the  flattery  and  applause  of  men; — against  these 
fascinating  besetments,  we  believe  he  endeavoured  to 
maintain  a  steady  warfare,  and  that  he  was  preserved  in  a 
humble  dependance  upon  that  Divine  power  which  he  had 
found  sufficient  to  sustain  him  in  ever\-  trial.  His  confi- 
dence in  the  suflSc  iency  of  this  power  is  manifested  in  the 
followuiff  extract  from  a  letter,  written  some  j^ears  since  to 
a  friend:  "I  have  a  love  for  the  Truth,  but  have  not  been 
without  mv  temptations  to  desert  it;  for  I  have  known  the 
day  when  the  allurements  of  wealth  and  honour  held  out 
strong  inducements  to  embark  as  a  man  of  the  world.  A 
public  station  with  which  a  large  income  was  connected, 
was  I  believe  within  my  reach.  Ambition  whispered,  that 
in  thus  pursuing  the  natural  bent  of  my  genius,  I  could 
fill  the  station  with  honour.  It  was  an  important  era  of 
my  life.  I  had  arrived  at  the  fulness  of  manhood,  and  the 
language  was.  Choose  this  day  whom  thou  wilt  serve. — 
When  I  cast  my  eyes  on  our  tender  offspring,  and  felt  the. 
influence  of  a  father's  example  upon  them, — and  when  I 
■cculd  appeal  to  the  Searcher  of  hearts,  that  I  had  no  greater 


40 


JOSEPH  PARRISH. 


joy  than  to  see  my  cliildien  walking  in  the  Truth; — then 
it  was  that  I  cast  the  temptation  from  me, — and  I  hi.mbly 
trust  renewedly  chose  the  Lord  for  my  portion,  and  the 
God  of  Jacob  for  the  lot  of  my  inheritance."' 

Notwithstanding  his  numerous  avocations,  he  was  a  dili- 
gent attender  of  our  religious  meetings  for  worship  and 
discipline;  so  arranging  his  businefss  as  to  join  with  his 
friends  on  these  occasions.  For  several  years  previous  to 
his  decease,  he  occupied  the  station  of  an  elder  in  the  church, 
— showing  forth  in  his  daily  walk  the  power  and  efficacy 
of  the  fundamental  principle  we  profess.  He  was  led  at 
times  to  exhort  Friends  to  cultivate  a  closer  acquaintance 
with  our  high  and  holy  profession.  The  simplichy  of  tlie 
gospel,  as  taught  by  our  Divine  Master  who  chose  the  un- 
lettered fishermen  of  Galilee  to  be  its  promulgators,  was 
often  the  subject  of  his  remarks: — contrasting  the  plain 
and  unadorned  precepts  contained  in  t!ie  New  Testament, 
with  the  dark  and  mysterious  creeds,  a  belief  in  which  is 
regarded  by  raany  as  essential  to  sah-ation. '  The  disposi- 
tion manifested  soiae,  to  connect  abstnise  doctrinal 
questions  with  the  simple  faith  professed  by  early  Friends, 
occasioned  deep  exercise  to  his  mind ;  and  he  was  at  times 
engaged  to  exhort  the  young  to  peruse  the  pages  of  the 
New  Testament,  that  they  might  become  familiar  with  its 
sublime  truths,  unalloyed  by  worldly  wisdom.  Above  all, 
he  endeavoured  to  persuade  them  to  give  reverent  heed  to 
iha.t  principle  of  light  and  life  in  the  soul,  which  is  alone 
able  to  preserve  from  the  temptations  to  which  they  are 
exposed.  The  solemn  and  deep  feeling,  evinced  by  our 
dear  friend  on  these  occasions,  was  impressive;  and  we 
trust  he  was  an  instrument  of  good  to  others,  and  that 
his  labours  were  blessed  amongst  us. 


JOSEPH   PARRISH.  41 

He  was  firm  ia  his  attachment  to  the  excellent  order  of 
our  discipline; — believing-  it  to  have  been  established  in 
Divine  wisdom:  and  in  the  administration  thereof  he  was 
clothed  with  the  spirit'of  meekness  and  forbearance,  which 
peculiarly  qualified  him  to  treat  with  those  who  had  gone 
astray.  He  viewed  the  discipline,  not  as  a  sword  to  cut 
off,  but  as  a  means  of  restoration ;  and  was  often  engaged 
to  exhort  Friends  to  tenderness  and  compassion  towards 
offenders.  In  conducting  the  affairs  of  society,  he  was 
conspicuous  in  the  exercise  of  brotherly  love  and  conde- 
scension,— not  claiming  precedence  for  his  own  views  over 
those  of  the  least  member  of  the  flock.  He  also  felt  a  deep 
concern  for  the  younger  portion  of  our  members, — es- 
pecially those  who  come  from  the  country  as  apprentices, 
and  are  exposed  to  many  of  the  temptations  of  a  large  city, 
by  which  they  are  liable  to  be  led  astray. 

He  was  zealous  to  maintain  our  religious  testimonies  in 
their  primitive  purity,  and  to  rally  Friends  to  that  Divine 
Principle  which  led  our  forefathers  out  of  the  superstitions 
and  traditions  by  which  they  were  surrounded ;  and  he 
firmly  believed  that  by  submission  to  the  same  heavenly 
Guide,  it  would  preserve  us  as  it  did  (hem.  While  he 
supported  this  view  with  an  energy  inspired  by  experience 
of  its  truth,  he  recognized,  as  consistent  with  this  high 
prqfession,  that  "  God  alone  is  the  sovereign  Lord  of  con- 
science;"  and  that  the  faith  essential  to  salvation  is  con- 
fined to  no  sect, — but  is  the  immediate  and  universal  gift 
of  a  benevolent  Creator ; — to  the  sufficiency  of  which  Paul 
bore  testimony  when  he  declared  that  "the  gi-ace  of  God 
which  bringeth  salvation  hath  appeared  unto  all  men." 

His  views  of  the  gospel  principle  of  peace  led  him,  not 
only  to  stand  opposed  to  war  and  violence  in  all  their 
forms,  but  to  cultivHle  a  spirit  of  kindness  and  good  will 


42 


JOSEPH  PARRISH. 


toward  those  who  mi^ht  attempt  to  injure  hi  n.  In  the 
course  of  an  extensive  intercourse  with  his  I'uliow-men,  he 
never  sued  an  individual  at  law  :  and  when  unjustly  treat- 
ed, he  embraced  an  early  opportunity  of  doing  the  injurer 
an  act  of  kindiiess.  He  bore  testimony  to  the  efficacy  of 
this  christian  practice;  observing,  that  its  good  effects  were 
often  manifested  to  his  liumbling  admiration, — the  hearts 
of  opposers  being  softened  and  reconciled,  and  his  own 
soul  enriched  with  the  incomes  of  peace. 

During  the  late  difficulties  in  the  society,  wlien  heavy 
charges  were  made  against  us,  he  was  particularly  con- 
cerned that  Friends  should  illustrate  the  sincerity  of  our 
profession,  as  the  followers  of  him  who  when  he  was  re- 
viled, reviled  not  again, — by  lives  of  practical  righteous- 
ness : — that  so,  being  willing  to  suffer  for  the  cause  of  Truth, 
they  might  obtain  the  blessing  pronounced  upon  tliose  against 
whom  all  manner  of  evil  sliall  be  spoken  falsely  for  Christ's 
sake.  In  relation  to  the  property,  considered  the  un- 
sullied maintenance  of  our  peaceable  testimonies  of  far 
greater  importance,  than  the  possession  of  earthly  trea- 
sures; and  advised  against  a  resort  to  legal  measures^  for 
the  recovery  of  our  just  rights.  And  in  places  where 
Friends  retained  possession,  he  urged  them  to  make  offers 
of  an  eqitable  division  with  the  other  portion  of  society. 

From  early  life  he  manifested  a  living  testimony  against 
injustice  and  oppression ;  being  frequently  engaged  in  ad- 
vocating the  cause  of  those  who  were  the  victims  of  arbi- 
trary power.  lie  felt  a  lively  interest  in  the  situation  and 
welfare  of  the  aborigines  of  our  country ;  and  watched  with 
deep  concern  those  measures  wliich  affected  their  rights; 
being  frequently  engaged  in  portraying  the  wrongs  and 
cruelties  inflicted  upon  them,  and  in  striving  to  awaken  a 
sense  of  national  justice  on  their  behalf.    He  considered 


JOSEPH  PARRISH. 


43 


that  tliis  injured  people  were  not  only  entitled  to  our  pro- 
tection and  sympathy  as  a  portion  of  the  great  family  ol 
mankind; — but  that  we  owed  them  a  heavy  debt  of  grati- 
tude for  the  care  they  exercised  toward  our  ancestors,  in 
ministering  to  then  necessities  in  times  of  want  and  sick- 
ness, w  hen  far  removed  from  the  comforts  and  endearments 
of  their  native  land. 

For  the  sufferings  and  privations  of  the  people  of  colour 
in  this  land,  his  christiain  feelings  were  strongly  enlisted; 
and  he  held  a  prominent  place  among  his  fellow-citizens 
as  an  advocate  of  this  oppressed  class, — often  pleading 
their  cause  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  and  love.  He  was 
also  concerned  to  stir  up  the  minds  of  Friends  to  a  close 
examination  of  this  important  testimony,  that  the  standard 
of  justice  and  Truth  might  be  exalted.  His  interest  in  this 
righteous  cause  appeared  to  increase  with  his  years;  and 
during  the  later  period  of  his  life  he  devoted  much  time  in 
efforts  for  its  advancement. 

His  numerous  acts  of  kindness  towards  the  defenceless 
and  unprotected,  caused  him  to  be  generally  esteemed  as  a 
humane  and  benevolent  man ;  and  the  oppressed  regarded 
him  as  a  friend  and  benefactor.  His  tenderness  and  sym- 
pathy for  suffering  extended  likewise  to  the  inferior  ani- 
mals; and  as  he  passed  through  tlie  streets  and  witnessed 
the  cruelty  sometimes  practised  upon  these,  he  was  in- 
duced to  expostulate  with  those  who  committed  such  acts. 

Nearly  a  year  previous  to  his  decease,  the  health  of  our 
beloved  friend  began  to  decline  ;  although  he  was  not  con- 
fined to  his  bed  until  within  about  three  weeks  of  his  close. 
During  this  period,  he  uttered  many,  instructive  expres- 
sions, and"  ttie  peaceful  serenity  which  often  clothed  his 
spirit,  was  witnessed  by  those  around  him.  In  this  state 
ofbodily  weakness  and  suffering,  he  frequently  appeared 


ii 


JOSEPH  PARRISU. 


to  be  engaged  in  silent  supplication  to  the  Father  of  mer. 
cies  ;  and,  under  a  sense  o''  his  mercy  and  loving  kindness, 
his  heart  overflowed  with  gratitude  and  praise.  During 
his  illness,  his  spirit  also  was  drawn  into  sympathy  with 
the  suffering  and  afflicted  who  were  deprived  of  the  com- 
forts and  consolations  by  which  he  was  surrounded;  and 
he  impressed  upon  those  who  were  ministering  to  his 
wants,  not  to  forget  the  duty  which  they  owed  to  this  class 
of  their  fellow-beings. 

On  one  occasion  he  said,  "During  this  illness,  I  have 
passed  through  some  deep  baptisms,  and  have  been  ready 
to  inquire,  whether  they  were  for  my  own  benefit,  or  for 
the  benefit  of  others."  "I  have  seen  the  great  beauty  ot 
the  Principle  which  we  as  a  society  profess.  It  has  been 
my  stay  and  solace  from  early  childhood  ;  and  the  more 
we  know  of  it,  the  more  shall  we  be  satisfied  that  it  is 
founded  on  the  Rock  of  ages."  At  anotlicr  time,  after  a 
solemn  pause,  in  which  he  Iiad  evidently  been  engaged  in 
silent  supplication,  he  remarked  with  much  humility  and 
brokenness, — "  I  have  not  been  permitted  to  see  how  this 
illness  is  to  terminate.  I  have  nothing  to  boast  of;  I  have 
been  an  object  of  Divine  mercy  from  my  very  childhood: 
and  upon  that  I  depend  now.  It  is  an  unspeakable  con- 
solation to  be  permitted  to  see  that  an  immortal  crown  is 
prepared  for  me."  After  these  expressions,  his  counte- 
nance seemed  clothed  with  a  sweet  solemnity ;  and  on  be- 
ing asked  whether  he  had  been  asleep,  he  replied,  "Oh! 
no:  I  have  been  in  a  far  more  delightful  state  than  sleep." 
He  attempted  to  proceed,  but  his  feelings  overcame  him. 

On  another  occasion,  he  impressively  repeated  this  text 
of  scripture,  "  Unto  tis  a  child  is  born, — unto  us  a  son  is 
given, — and  his  name  shall  be  called  Wonderful,  Coun- 
sr  *Uor,  the  Mighty  God,  the  everlasting  Fath.;r,  and  the 


JOSEPH  PARRISH.  45 

Prince  of  peace."  And  again,  "We  have  an  high  priest, 
touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities." 

As  the  disease  advanced,  his  sight  and  hearing  became 
almost  extinct, — yet  his  mind  continued  clear.  On  being 
inquired  of  in  a  loud  voice  by  one  of  his  physicians,  how 
he  felt,  he  replied  with  much  composure  and  serenity, 
"  Very  weak  in  body,  doctor,  but  I  cast  all  my  care  upon 
that  Power  which  is  over  all,  and  above  all." 

After  he  had  become  unconscious  of  what  was  passing 
around  him,  his  mind  seemed  absorbed  in  heavenly  con- 
templation; and  a  few  hours  before  his  close,  he  repeated 
the  declaration  of  our  blessed  Lord,  "Lo,  I  am  with  you 
always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world and  then  added 
with  emphasis,  "  It  is  a  truth;  —  it  was  declared  by  the 
Minister  of  ministers."  And  soon  after  he  said,  "His 
arm  is  not  shortened,  that  it  cannot  save, — nor  his  ear 
grown  heavy" — here  his  voice  faltered,  and  he  was  unable 
to  complete  the  sentence. 

Soon  after  this,  his  expressions  ceased  to  be  intelligible, 
and  he  quietly  departed  this  life  on  the  morning  of  the  18th 
of  the  3d  month,  1840,  in  the  sixty-first  year  of  his  age. 

Thus  closed  the  valuable  labours  of  a  beloved  elder  in 
the  Truth,  and  of  a  christian  philanthropist  who  was  emi- 
nently useful  in  his  day.  By  an  early  surrender  to  the 
tendering  operations  of  Divine  Love,  and  a  devoted  ad- 
herence to  its  manifestations,  he  was  enabled  to  live 
the  life  of  the  righteous,  and  to  finish  his  course  with  joy, 
having  an  earnest  of  a  blessed  immortality  in  the  realms  of 
bliss. 


CONTENTS 


Of  Memorials,  concerning 


Ann  Peirce,       ......      page  3 

■Wiiiiam  Boen,       ......  4 

Rach  l  Rowland,   8 

J,)hn  Hunt,   12 

Willia:n  Tnylor,   13 

Hugh  Foiilke,   20 

Levick  Palmer,   23 

Elis^ha  Dawson,   25 

Bartholomew  Fussell,          ....  29 

Mary  Luken?,   32 

Joseph  Parrifh,   -  87 


